FIRST = For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology

FIRST is an inclusive robotics community that prepares young people for the future. It helps students find their path and build the confidence they need to shape their own future.

With the support of sponsors, partners, alumni, mentors, and volunteers, FIRST helps young people create a better future where they feel like they belong.

FIRST empowers students to become good global citizens. It teaches them that they can use their skills to make a difference—whether in one person’s life, their community, or even the world.

Students involved in FIRST are better prepared for success in school and their careers. FIRST’s programs are designed to spark curiosity and encourage exploration, all while being part of a global robotics community.

FIRST inspires young people to drive positive change and use science and technology for good. It encourages collaboration through its Core Values and the principles of Gracious Professionalism® and Coopertition®, which focus on teamwork, respect, learning, and community involvement.

 

FIRST Programs

FIRST LEGO League

(Ages 4-14)

 

FIRST Tech Challenge

(Ages 12-18)

 

FIRST Robotics Competition

(Ages 14-18)

 

Who to Contact?

  • Regional Directors contact information:

Sandra Contreras – SContreras@FIRSTinspires.org

Wendy Austin – WAustin@FIRSTinspires.org

  • FIRST Senior Mentors contact information:

South FL: Allyn Bernstein – ABernstein@FIRSTinspires.org

West FL: Bente Brauer –BBrauer@firstinspires.org

Central FL: Andy Milluzzi – AMilluzzi@FIRSTinspires.org

North FL: Laura Leonard – Lleonard@FIRSTinspires.org

Purpose

FIRST exists to prepare the young people of today for the world of tomorrow.”

Vision

To transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated and
where young people dream of becoming science and technology leaders.

Mission

The mission of FIRST is to provide life-changing robotics programs that give young people the skills, confidence, and resilience to build a better world.

FIRST ® LEGO® League: Grades PreK-8 (ages 4-14 in FL)

FIRST LEGO League introduces STEM to children through fun, exciting hands-on learning. Participants gain real-world problem-solving experiences through a guided, global robotics program, helping today’s students and teachers build a better future together.

FIRST LEGO League’s three divisions inspire youth to experiment and grow their critical thinking, coding, and design skills through hands-on STEM learning and robotics centered around a yearly theme.

The three divisions are:
o FIRST LEGO League Discover (ages 4-6)
o FIRST LEGO League Explore (ages 6-10)
o FIRST LEGO League Challenge (ages 9-16)

FIRST ® Tech Challenge: Grades 7-12 (ages 12-18)

FIRST Tech Challenge teams work together to design, build, and program a robot to
play a themed competition challenge by brainstorming innovative ideas, exploring
advanced engineering concepts, and developing career-ready practices.

FIRST ® Robotics Competition: Grades 9-12 (ages 14-18)

FIRST Robotics Competition combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. Teams of students are challenged to design, build, and program
industrial-size robots and compete for awards, while they also create a team identity, raise funds, hone teamwork skills, and advance respect and appreciation for STEM
within the local community.

The FIRST Robotics Competition South Florida Regional is one of the events where students compete for one spot to attend the coveted World Championship.

April 2-5, 2025

University of Miami Watsco Center

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