FIRST, or “For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology,” is a global robotics community which hold competitions where high schoolers across the world can come together and compete. Each year, students in FIRST collaborate to make an industrial-sized robot which is capable of solving a challenge. Each year the theme for these challenges is different which allows students to diversify their knowledge of the field of engineering. Teams design, program, and build their robot starting with a standard kit of parts and common set of rules to play in a head-to-head challenge. Teams also build a brand, develop community partnerships for support, and work to promote STEM in their local community. FIRST is present in over 100 countries and is designed to inspire innovation and lead those who participate into a brighter future.

Our mentors are made up of FIRST alumni and parents of team members. While each year’s robot is fully designed and built by students, mentors assist by providing guidance on the general process and the skills needed for creating a competition ready robot, especially during our off season.