FIRST in Florida

Four Programs… One Mission!

To inspire young people to become science and technology leaders!

6-9 yrs

grades 4-8

grades 7-12

grades 9-12

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Is your team hosting Summer Camps? Let us know HERE and we’ll get your event listed on the Summer Camp section of our Event Page!

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FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is an all-inclusive, character driven, K-12 STEAM education program. Founded in 1989 by inventor Dean Kamen to inspire youth interest and participation in science and technology, FIRST uses robot challenges to build science and technology skills and interests while also inspiring self-confidence, leadership, and life skills . In Florida, FIRST serves over 10,000 students statewide. 

FIRST Core Values

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FIRST is committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of professionalism, diversity and inclusion. We embrace and encourage differences in race,color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, income or any other characteristics that make our program participants unique.  All our programs are guided by the FIRST Code of Conduct , by which all participants, from coaches to mentors to students, are expected to abide.

Commitment to our Youth and their Future

With support from a comprehensive network of a majority of Fortune 500 corporations, educational and professional institutions, foundations, and individuals, FIRST provides more than $50 million in college scholarships. Programs include FIRST® Robotics Competition  for students in Grades 9-12; FIRST® Tech Challenge for Grades 7-12; FIRST® LEGO®League for Grades 4-8; and  FIRST® LEGO®League Jr. for Grades K-3.

In April, the four programs culminate in the FIRST Championship series, two international robotics competitions and celebrations where teams win recognition, build on their self-confidence, make new friends, and perhaps discover exciting new career paths.

FIRST at a Glance

FIRST is an international program with proven, evidence based impact:

• 400,000+ students
• 38,700+ teams
• 34,000+ robots
• 90,000+ Mentors/adult supporter roles filled
• 90,000+ other Volunteer roles filled (e.g. event Volunteers, Affiliate Partners, VISTAs)
• More than 3,500 Sponsors, including corporations, educational and professional institutions, and individuals

Every FIRST program is run by a dedicated and accomplished group of volunteers, including the parents, teachers, friends and engineers, who spend many hours each year to make FIRST a reality for all of the students. Increasingly, these active volunteers and role models are FIRST Alumni.