FIRST stands for "For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology".

Founded by Dean Kamen in 1989, FIRST is a global non-profit organization that has inspired kids from all over the world to pursue careers in STEM.
​FIRST offers 3 programs:

  • FIRST Lego League (FLL),  Grades K-8
  • FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), Grades 7-12
  • FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC),  Grades 9-12

FIRST is one of the largest STEM organizations in the world, inspiring hundreds of thousands of students worldwide to explore engineering, coding, and teamwork through robotics. There were over 3,400 active FRC teams and over 7,600 active FTC teams in 2024 with that number growing each year.

For more information specific to FIRST, please visit their website:

​Chaska High School's Activities Department offers a Robotics program that competes in the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC).