What is FIRST?
Founded in 1989 by inventor Dean Kamen, FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a global nonprofit (501(c)(3)) organization that prepares young people for the future through a suite of inclusive, team-based robotics programs for ages 4-18 (PreK-12). Our programs are suitable for schools or structured afterschool activities and receive support from a vast network of volunteers, educators, and sponsors/donors, including over 200 Fortune 500 companies.
Because our programs are More Than Robots®, FIRST participants are guided by a signature set of Core Values to conduct research, fundraise, design, build, and showcase their achievements. Our thrilling, sports-like challenges build their self-confidence and collaborative problem-solving skills and have a proven and lasting impact on STEM learning and interest. Our participants and alumni gain access to education and career discovery opportunities, connections to exclusive scholarships and employers, and a place in the FIRST community for life.
Who is Roboriot?
RoboRiot Team 3418 is a FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) team based at Sheboygan Falls High School. Founded in 2009, our team has been going strong for over a decade. RoboRiot is designed to give high school students the opportunity to design, fabricate, assemble, and program a robot to compete in international competitions. We typically have around 20 students each year, supported by a network of over 10 mentors from the workforce who volunteer their time to guide and assist us. Every January, a new game is introduced with tasks that robots can perform to earn points. After the game reveal, our students dive into strategizing, prototyping, designing, fabricating, assembling, programming, and finally driving the robot, all with the goal of reaching the world championships in Houston, TX.
