FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a non-profit organization that fosters science, engineering, technology, and innovation in youth all over the world. Founder Dean Kamen aspires "to create a world where science and technology are celebrated... where young people dream of being science and technology heroes." FIRST runs by a policy of "gracious professionalism," which emphasizes quality workmanship, respect, and kindness.

Dean Kamen started FIRST in 1989 in a high-school gym in New Hampshire, but today it reaches over 156,000 students in Brazil, Canada, Chile, Israel, Mexico, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and every state in the United States. Its main operation is the FIRST Robotics Competition, in which high-school students have 6 weeks to design and build a robot according to a common set of rules. Every year, the game is different and requires communication, planning, and cooperation to overcome obstacles. It also runs the FIRST Lego(R) League, FIRST Place, and FIRST Vex Challenge.

FIRST is so successful because of over 25,000 volunteers including mentors, professional engineers, teachers, and other adults callaborating with their students. FIRST competitions and other events are organized and staffed by over 14,000 other event and committee volunteers.

More information can be found at FIRST's website, www.usfirst.org.