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For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST)

Program that Works

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Summary

FIRST mentor-based programs are designed to build students’ science, engineering, and technology skills. FIRST offers design challenges through five programs: FIRST Robotics Competition for high-school students, FIRST Tech Challenge for high-school students, FIRST LEGO League for 9 to 14 year-olds, Junior FIRST LEGO League for 6 to 9 year-olds, and FIRST Place. FIRST Place is a program designed to let students ages 6 to adult explore all types of science, math, and technology. FIRST also aims to build leadership skills, such as "gracious professionalism".

Target Population

Targets ages 6 through adult.

Goal(s)

Designed to motivate children and young adults to enter careers in science and technology.

Program Highlights

FIRST programs capitalize on students’ interest in Legos, robots, and similar activities to build long-term interest and skills in science and technology.
FIRST competitions are high profile; former President George H. Bush and other prominent politicians have presented at events.

The Facts

Year introduced:1991

Number of schools:Over 156,000 students participate

Costs:In 2007, FIRST reported $23,680,427 in operating expenses

Region:National

Partners

Higher Education

Boston University
Drexel University
MIT
Northeastern University
Washington State College
Etc.

Business

BAE Systems
Boston Scientific Corp.
Baxter International
DaimlerChrysler Corp.
Johnson & Johnson
Xerox Corporation
Etc.

Non-Profit / Philanthropy

E.M. Kauffman Foundation
Annenberg Foundation
GM Foundation
Etc.

Government

US Patent & Trademark Office
NASA
Central Intelligence Agency
Etc.

Evidence of Impact

Research shows that college-going students who participate in FIRST are more likely to pursue interests in science and technology fields than college-going students who do not participate in FIRST.

Study 1:

More than Robots: An Evaluation of the FIRST Robotics Competition Participant and Institutional Impacts: A retrospective independent study was conducted by Brandeis University on the FIRST Robotics Competition participants in New York City and the Detroit/Pontiac-metropolitan area comparing FIRST alumni with a matched comparison group of college-going students. The study found that FIRST alumni are more likely to attend college—and to attend full-time, and to take courses, jobs, and internships related to science, math, and technology.

Extent of evidence:One independent evaluation study.

Evidence of replicability:In 2007, 44,000 mentors and 28,000 event volunteers participated in FIRST events.

Other resources or research:

http://www.usfirst.org