Oklahoma FIRST is dedicated to inspiring young people’s interest in science and technology. Through our programs, kids team with local engineers, professors and business people to solve real world engineering challenges.

Students develop technical expertise, and gain self confidence, knowledge and skills to face life’s challenges. They discover they can achieve more than they had ever dreamed possible. We invite you to join us as a team member, volunteer, sponsor or donor.

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was founded by inventor Dean Kamen to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. Based in Manchester, NH, the 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math.

Pre-Engineering students representing Norman North, Norman High, Moore High and Westmoore High Schools stand next to the robot they've designed

FIRST's Vision is to positively transform culture by inspiring young people, their schools, and communities to appreciate science and technology. FIRST brings together schools with businesses, and students with professionals as mentors, all with the support of local universities.

The FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) is an exciting, multinational competition that teams professionals and young people to solve an engineering design problem in an intense and competitive way. The program is a life-changing, career-molding experience—and a lot of fun. In 2010, the competition reached over 45,200 high-school-aged young people on over 1,800 teams in 43 regional events. FRC teams came from 48 states, 4 provinces, and 12 countries. The competitions are high-tech spectator sporting events, the result of lots of focused brainstorming, real-world teamwork, dedicated mentoring, project timelines, and deadlines.

Colleges, universities, corporations, businesses, and individuals provided over $12 million in college scholarships to FRC participants in 2010. Involved engineers experience again many of the reasons they chose engineering as a profession, and the companies they work for contribute to the community while they prepare and create their future workforce. The competition shows students that the technological fields hold many

Winning necessitates cooperation among teams that have never met before. In a competition that has nothing to do with smashing another robot, FRC teams of students and their mentors have six weeks to design and build a robot from a standard kit of parts to compete at FIRST Regional Events under the principles of "gracious professionalism."