FIRST is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and advancement of STEM-related programs in schools throughout the country and the world. Yearly design challenges provide opportunities for hands-on engineering and programming, and the competitions themselves promote gracious professionalism and effective inter-team communication and cooperation.

Since its creation in 1992, FIRST's student competitor population has grown to 530,000, and it continues to provide a wholesome and valuable experience for every participant. The organization's mission is to inspire students to be science and technology innovators by engaging them in mentor-based programs that build STEM skills, inspire innovation, and foster life skills like self-confidence, communication, gracious professionalism, and leadership.

Through FIRST, kids of all ages can get involved in STEM. While FRC is for grades nine through twelve, FIRST also runs other competitions: FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), for grades seven through twelve, and FIRST Lego League (FLL), with three divisions for grades ranging from PreK to eighth grade.