What is FIRST?

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was founded in 1989 to inspire young people's interest and participation in science and technology. Based in Manchester, NH, the 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity designs accessible, innovative programs that motivate young people to pursue education and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math, while building self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills.

FIRST participation is proven to encourage students to pursue education and careers in STEM-related fields, inspire them to become leaders and innovators, and enhance their 21st century work-life skills.

Information on the Current Season

FIRST LEGO League (FLL)

What is FIRST Lego League?

FIRST® LEGO® League introduces science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to children ages 4-16 through fun, exciting hands-on learning. Participants gain real-world problem solving experience through a guided, global robotics program, helping today's students and teachers build a better future together.  FIRST® LEGO® League consists of three divisions (Discover, Explore, and Challenge), aimed at inspiring youth to experiment and grow their critical thinking, coding, and design skills through hands-on STEM learning and robotics. Through the three divisions of FLL students will understand the basics of STEM and apply their skills in an exciting competition while building habits of learning, confidence, and teamwork skills along the way. 

Learn more about FIRST LEGO League

Clarkson FLL Tournament Video

Clarkson FLL 2019 News Release

FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC)

What is FIRST Tech Challenge?

FIRST Tech Challenge teams (10+ members, grades 7-12) are challenged to design, build, program, and operate robots to compete in a head-to-head challenge in an alliance format. Participants call it “the hardest fun you’ll ever have!”

FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC)

Clarkson FIRST Living Learning Community (FIRST Collegiate Alumni Group)

  • https://knightlife.clarkson.edu/organization/RoboticsLLC
  • roboticsllc@clarkson.edu

Robotics Camps

Opportunities to Engage

FIRST Tournaments

Clarkson hosts annually a FIRST Robotics tournament on campus in Potsdam, New York. Tournament volunteers are always needed, including head judge, judges, runners, queuers, event coordinators, timers, referees, and more. 

For more information on volunteer roles and opportunities or to register as an official volunteer, visit the FIRST website. All volunteers will need to go through background screening to work with youth and be assigned their volunteer roles. The screening is free and easy. 

Learn more & register

Robotics Outreach
  • Team mentoring
  • Event coordination
  • Programming & Coding instruction
  • Machining
  • Summer Camps
  • After School Programs