"I think an education is not only important, it is the most important thing you can do with your life."
-Dean Kamen

FIRST is the organization that runs the robotics competitions that we take part in.  More importantly however, FIRST plays a major role in adding to the science community of our generation as it encourages youth participation in science and technology.  They understand that our future is only as good as the next generation makes it, so they promote learning and working together amongst students. 

FIRST is an acronym that stands for "The Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology."  They also promote "gracious professionalism," that is, they encourage competition and learning, but emphasize respect and kindness towards others at the same time. FIRST reaches out to all members of the youth community through its many different leagues. These include the FIRST Robotics Competition, the FIRST Tech Challenge, the FIRST LEGO League, and the FIRST Junior LEGO League. As FIRST explains on their website, "FIRST's 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 that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication and leadership." Visit the official FIRST website at:  www.usfirst.org.