FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is an international non-profit organization founded in 1998, to inspire young people's interest and participation in science and technology through technology, engineering, and math (STEM). FIRST programs inspire innovation and leadership and leadership through engaging, hands-on robotics challenge develop to ignite curiosity and passion in students.

Students in grades 5 to 8 compete in FIRST LEGO League, which introduces younger students to real-world engineering challenges by building LEGO-based robots to complete tasks to the thematic playing surface. Students in grades 9 to 12 compete in FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), where students strive to create a brand while building and programming robots to compete as an alliance in an exciting sport atmosphere. FIRST teams, guided by their imagination and adult coaches and mentors, discover exciting career possibilities and, through the process, learn to make positive contributions to society.

The community program is a new initiative being launched so that all students in Lambton County have the chance to participate in this amazing experience. This year's theme is entitled "FIRST: Rise", is setting out to inspire students to work together, creating a place where collaboration and collective wisdom can elevate new ideas and foster growth. Throughout the experience, teams will operate under FIRST's signature set of Core Values. FIRST is dedicated to creating the people who will change the world- today and tomorrow. What FIRST teams accomplish is nothing short of amazing. It's fun. It's exciting. And the skills they learn will last a lifetime.