FIRST Robotics Competition Blog

In 1989, in a room in a building in New Hampshire, a form was signed, and an idea was born.

Thirty-five years later, more than 3 million youth from across the globe have participated in a FIRST^® program. This year alone, we estimate that nearly 750,000 youth from more than 100 countries will be part of FIRST.

That growth would not have been possible without the support of all of you – the students, mentors, volunteers, and supporters. You  make FIRST possible and  allow FIRST to continue to increase its impact.

And so, to celebrate 35 years of FIRST, I ask that you consider continuing that support. You can support the FIRST Mission directly*, bid for a cause in the virtual auction, support one of our wonderful Partners, or directly support a team. However you choose, your support will help make sure that FIRST is here for another 35 years, impacting millions more youth.

Thank you all for being part of this community. Happy birthday FIRST!

*Funds given to support the FIRST Mission have historically been used for activities including helping grow and support Partners in new regions, funding grants that reach underserved youth, and conducting research on the efficacy and impact of FIRST participation.