(For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology)

is a multi-national, non profit organization which designs accessible, innovative programs to build self confidence, knowledge, and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, and engineering.  Founder Dean Kamen, inventor of the Segway Human Transporter, "...wanted to create a world where science and technology are celebrated...where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes..."  FIRST runs the Jr. FIRST Lego League - for children 6-9 years old, FIRST LEGO League - for children 9-14 years old, FIRST Tech Challenge, and the FIRST Robotics Competition - for high school students.

The FIRST Robotics Competition challenges teams of students and their mentors to design, assemble, and rehearse a robot that "plays" a game that is presented in January of each year.  In a six-week build phase, the robot is created following a common set of rules provided by FIRST.  Teams enter their robot in a series of regional competitions, hopefully qualifying for the National Competition at the Edward Jones Done.  Each competition is an exciting experience that teams up with mentors and young adults and test weeks of brainstorming, dedicated mentoring, and real-world teamwork in a high-tech sporting event. In 2010, the competitions involved more than 45,000 students from over 1500 multinational teams.

The program is life changing. career molding, and a lot of fun.  Colleges, universities, corporations, businesses, and individuals provide scholarships to participants.  The competition demonstrates that the technological fields hold many opportunities for fulfillment and that the basic concepts of science, math, engineering, and innovation are exciting and universal.

Check out http://www.usfirst.org/ to learn more!