The mission of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders by engaging them in exciting extra-curricular, mentor-based robotics programs that build STEM skills, inspire innovation, and foster well-rounded life skills including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.
FIRST is comprised of a sequence of robotics programs for young people 6 - 18 years old. Autodesk is a proud 20+ year sponsor of the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) program, the FIRST program for high school students aged 14 -18. For the 2012 competition season, Autodesk supported FRC as a Crown Supplier and as a Lead Championship Sponsor. In addition to the Autodesk Oregon Regional, Autodesk also sponsored the 2012 FRC Excellence in Design Award.
Founded in 1989 by inventor Dean Kamen, FIRST is a 501(c)(3) non-profit headquartered in Manchester, NH.
Known as "the varsity sport for the mind," FRC combines the excitement of sports with the rigors of science and technology. Under strict rules, limited time and resources, student teams are challenged to raise funds, design a team "brand," hone teamwork skills, and design, build and program their team robot to perform prescribed tasks against a field of competitors. It’s as close to "real-world engineering" as a student can get. Volunteers and professional mentors lend their time and talents to guide each team. The FRC "season" begins with a January Kick-off, Feb-April regional events, and culminates in an April championship event.