Founded in 1989 by Dean Kamen and Dr. Woodie Flowers, FIRST robotics original goal to inspire young people's interest and participation in science and technology, still remains.

Combining the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology, FIRST works to teach the values of team cooperation and gracious professionalism. We call FIRST Robotics Competition the ultimate Sport for the Mind. High-school student participants call it “the hardest fun you’ll ever have.” Under strict rules, limited resources, and an intense six-week time limit, teams of students are challenged to raise funds, design a team "brand," hone teamwork skills, and build and program industrial-size robots to play a difficult field game against like-minded competitors. It’s as close to real-world engineering as a student can get. Volunteer professional mentors lend their time and talents to guide each team.