FIRST Mission
"Our mission is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering, and technology skills, that inspire innovation and foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership."
For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) is a program for students aged 6-18. It is the most rewarding adventure any student, mentor, advisor or sponsor will ever undertake. FIRST is a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization devoted to helping young people discover and develop a passion for science, engineering, technology,and math. Founded over 20 years ago by inventor Dean Kamen, the 2009-2010 FIRST season attracted more than 210,000 youth and more than 90,000 mentors, coaches, and volunteers from 56 countries. The annual programs culminate in an international robotics competition and celebration where teams win recognition, gain self confidence, develop people and life skills, make new friends, and perhaps discover an unforeseen career path.
To learn more about FIRST, please visit http://usfirst.org.
"To transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated and where young people dream of becoming science and technology leaders." - Dean Kamen