About FIRST and FTC

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring young people to become science and technology leaders and innovators. Through hands on STEM programs, it empowers students from elementary through high school to explore engineering, programming, and design in an engaging and supportive environment. FIRST encourages innovation, creativity, and problem-solving by challenging students to work in teams, build robots, and compete in competitions with fellow teams in the area.

What sets FIRST apart is its focus on more than just technical skills. It emphasizes life skills such as communication, time management, and leadership, which are developed through mentorship, teamwork, and community outreach. The organization promotes core values like Gracious Professionalism, a unique blend of friendly competition and mutual respect, which help students grow not just as learners, but as responsible and ethical individuals. With a vibrant, worldwide community of mentors, educators, alumni, and sponsors, FIRST continues to shape the next generation of innovators, engineers, and changemakers, preparing them to tackle the challenges of the future with confidence and compassion.

FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is a robotics program within the larger FIRST organization, designed specifically for middle and high school students. It challenges teams to design, build, and program robots that can complete complex tasks in a themed game that changes every season. Beyond the technical aspects, FTC emphasizes the development of soft skills such as teamwork, leadership, communication, and strategic thinking. Students learn to collaborate under pressure, solve real-world problems, and adapt to evolving challenges—just like professionals in the engineering and tech industries.

FTC also encourages community involvement and outreach, motivating teams to share their knowledge and passion for STEM with others. Through mentorship, public events, and volunteer opportunities, participants grow as role models and leaders in their schools and communities. More than just a competition, FTC is a transformative experience that inspires innovation, builds confidence, and equips students with the tools they need for success in future careers and lifelong learning.