FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a non-profit organization founded by Dean Kamen in 1989 intended to inspire high school students to become leaders in fields of science, engineering and technology.

Dean created a format built on the premise that learning technical skills in these areas can be made as exciting as any sporting event in today's society. His competitive format not only challenges students' abilities to build a robot, but challenges students to become well-rounded in life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.

FIRST's main feature is a robotics competition called the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) that consists of a game that changes every year. Teams have six weeks to design, create, and test a robot for competition. After six weeks, the robot is shipped to its first competitive event. Here, teams are rewarded for their efforts with the opportunity to compete with other teams from the surrounding area. Various awards are presented to teams for both well built robots and outstanding team efforts: Industrial Design, Innovation in Control and Creativity, Engineering Inspiration, Entrepreneurship, Imagery, Gracious Professionalism, and Safety. Development of a Chairman's presentation also challenges students' writing and speaking abilities for an overall top team award at District, Regional or State Competitions, all culminating in a World Competition of the top rated teams.

In the 2012 season, FRC consistes of over 2,347 teams, including teams from South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Canada, and Mexico, with 52 regional and 15 district competitions. Due to the large number of teams competing in the state of Michigan, the state holds ten district competitions with one State Championship. The Mid-Atlantic Region with 5 district competitions also holds a Mid-Atlantic Championship. Teams winning in the various categories at the regional or state level then go on to compete at the World Championship, currently held in St. Louis, Missouri.

FIRST's other competitions include:
- Junior FIRST Lego League (Junior FLL)
- Lego League (FLL)
- FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC)
- Collegiate Aerial Robotics Demonstration (CARD)