Description:

FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was founded in 1989 by inventor Dean Kamen to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology. Based in Manchester, N.H., the 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity inspires young people to be science and technology leaders, by engaging them in exciting Mentor-based programs that build science, technology, math, and engineering (STEM) skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership. FIRST provides a progression of four global, after-school programs for K-12: the FIRST® Robotics Competition for Grades 9-12 (ages 14 to 18); the FIRST® Tech Challenge for Grades 7-12 (ages 12 to 18); the FIRST® LEGO® League for Grades 4-8 (ages 9 to 16; ages vary by country); and the FIRST® LEGO® League Jr. for Grades K-3 (ages 6 to 9). FIRST® also operates a research, development, and training facility called FIRST® Place™ at its headquarters in New Hampshire.