About FIRST

FIRST(For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was founded in 1989 to inspire young people's interest and participation in science and technology. Based in Manchester, NH, the not-for-profit public charity designss accessible, innovative programs that motivate young people to pursue education and career opportunities in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields, while building self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills.

FIRST's Mission

The mission of FIRST 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 that foster well-rounded life capabilities.

FIRST's Programs

FIRST LEGO League Jr.

A program designed to introduce STEM concepts to children ages 6 to 10 while exciting them with LEGOs

FIRST LEGO League

Targeted at children in grades 4 - 8, FIRST LEGO League challenges children to design, build, and program robots to solve real world problems in table-top competitions.

FIRST Tech Challenge

A program for students in grades 7 - 12, FIRST Tech Challenge challenges students to design and build robots to compete in alliances with other teams.

FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC)

The program that we participate in, FIRST Robotics Competition(FRC) provides high school students with rigorous challenges to develop robots for and to compete in against other teams from around the world.

About FRC

Called the ultimate Sport for the Mind, FIRST Robotics Competition(FRC) is targeted towards high school students like the members of team 1758. With strict rules, limited resources, and an intense time limit, students are challenged to raise funds, hone teamwork skills, and construct and program robots to play difficult field games against other students.

FRC's Impact

For the Technomancers, and for other FRC teams, FIRST provides the opportunity to learn from professional engineers, develop and master STEM skills, learn to use sophisticated software, hardware, and power tools, and participate in regional competitions and, possibly, the FIRST Championship. Over 88% of FRC participants are more encouraged to perform well in school and attend college.

Competitions

FRC teams have the opportunity to compete in alliances of 3 teams in regional competitions around the world. Winners of regional competitions then attend the FIRST Championships to prove themselves as the best teams in the world. Winners of FIRST's Chairman's Award, which is awarded to teams who make tremendously positive impacts in their communities and spread the ideals behind FIRST, also attend Championships at the end of the season.

More can be found at FIRST's website here