At the heart of FIRST are its Core Values, which emphasize respect for the contributions of others, friendly sportsmanship, teamwork, learning, and community involvement.
FIRST Core Values
Gracious Professionalism® is a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community.
Coopertition® is displaying unqualified kindness and respect in the face of fierce competition, and knowing that learnning is more important than winning.
We express the FIRST philosophies of Gracious Professionalism® and Coopertition® through our Core Values:
• Discovery: We explore new skills and ideas. • Innovation: We use creativity and persistence to solve problems. • Impact: We apply what we learn to improve our world. • Inclusion: We respect each other and embrace our differences. • Teamwork: We are stronger when we work together. • Fun: We enjoy and celebrate what we do!
Sport for the MindTM - the hardest fun you'll ever have!
"FIRST is More Than Robots®. The robots are a vehicle for students to learn important life skills. Kids often come in not knowing what to expect - of the program nor of themselves. They leave, even after the first season, with a vision, with confidence, and with a sense that they can create their own future." Dean Kamen, Founder
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.
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.
