About FIRST

What is FIRST?

FIRST is an international organization that looks to expand the influence of STEM in schools and society as a whole. FIRST stands for ‘For Inspiration and Recognition in Science and Technology.’ The mission of FIRST is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators, by engaging them in exciting Mentor-based programs that build science, engineering, and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership. FIRST also stands by their core values of coopertition and gracious professionalism.

What is the FIRST Robotics Competition?

The FIRST Robotics Competition is a rigorous competition in which each team builds a robot to complete the objectives given on the day of kickoff. Teams are given six weeks to design, build, and program their robot before they must package it away. Teams are then only allowed to use their robot at competitions.

Their are two types of FRC competitions. Teams can compete in regional events and/or district events. If a team does well in these competitions, they can compete on the international scale at either the FRC World Championships or the FRC District Championships.

What is the structure of an FRC team?

The nature of the FIRST Robotics Competition requires members with a wide variety of abilities. Any student is valuable to the team because of the necessity for people with different talents. Teams are often made up of four teams, a mechanical team, a programming team, a communications team, and a field team. Additionally, teams have a drive team for competitions.

How does FIRST impact the students?

FIRST and FRC impacts students greatly. Students are given valuable life experiences in STEM as well as life lessons in leadership and working as a team with the help of advisors and mentors. Students are also given the opportunity to earn scholarships through FIRST, which can benefit them in their adult life. According to the FIRST website, “Over 88% have more interest in doing well in school and 92% are more interested in attending college.”

CHARGED UP

This year’s FRC competition is called CHARGED UP Presented By Haas Game Animation. The season launched January 7th, 2023.

Want to learn more about FIRST? Click here.