(For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology)

FIRST is a mentor-based program and was created to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders. It gives students an opportunity to work with teachers and engineers with real world technical experience. Students build science, technology and engineering skills as well as many life skills such as self-confidence, communication and leadership.

FIRST was founded in 1989 by inventor and entrepreneur, Dean Kamen. He is an advocate for science and technology. The cornerstones of FIRST is helping young people discover the excitement of science and technology. Every year Kamen assigns all teams homework with the purpose of getting the name of FIRST out to more people.

Scholarships are given out to junior and senior FIRST team members. For 2012, over 147 scholarship providers are making available over 664 individual scholarship opportunities. The schloarships given out are up to a total value of over $14 million! These scholarships vary from $1000 to full four year tuition.