The FIRST^® organizational statements are more than words on a page; they underscore our promise to build a thriving global robotics community and to remain at the very forefront of STEM education. We created new Purpose and Mission statements for FIRST that retain our core identity, reaffirm the foundational principles that guide us, and refine the way we express who we are and why we exist. 

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

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. 

The future of FIRST is bright, and these statements, together with the FIRST vision, values, and ethos of Coopertition^® and Gracious Professionalism^®, are a commitment to our community that we will continue to grow and improve. 

Read more about FIRST and share our mission >>

This year we are putting a spotlight on the role that STEM plays in the arts. Join Dean Kamen along with honoree Ursula Burns and special guest will.i.am on December 6 for a memorable evening in Miami, Florida.

Unable to attend in person? Donate tickets for FIRST alumni to attend, or register for the online auction at firstinspires.org/gala.

Read more about the FIRST Inspire Gala >>

“Sometimes fear of failure can hold you back, but failure is the best teacher. Take risks and be curious about the world, learn as much as you can.”

Meet Jesús, a FIRST alum and a member of the 2023 Inspire the Future: FIRST Educators Recognition Program cohort. 

Read more on his experience with STEAM on the community blog >>

Holy Name of Mary College School (HNMCS), a small girls’ school serving grades 5-12 in the greater Toronto area, has become a powerhouse in competitive robotics. One-third of the grade 9-12 students are involved in the school’s FIRST^® Robotics Competition team.

“As educators of girls, our school recognized that STEAM can stimulate their interest in technical fields,” said Karen Kozma, mentor of the Senior School Robotics team. “I always tell the students that the greatest technology or product isn’t going to succeed if you don’t design it to improve lives or you don’t bring creativity to selling it.”  

Read more about how HNMCS is using FIRST to stimulate interest in the technical fields >>

#GivingTuesday is a global philanthropic movement unleashing the power of radical generosity. Will you join the movement and help us grow our community of innovators and future leaders? Celebrate by sharing your passion for FIRST with your friends and family.  

Find ideas and resources on our Ways to Give page >>