FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a robotics community that prepares young people for the future through a suite of inclusive, team-based robotics programs for ages 4-18 (PreK-12) that can be facilitated in school or in structured afterschool programs. Boosted by a global support system of volunteers, educators, and sponsors that include over 200 of the Fortune 500 companies, teams operate under a signature set of FIRST Core Values to conduct research, fundraise, design, build, and showcase their achievements during annual challenges.

FIRST North Carolina is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization based in North Carolina and the Program Delivery Organization for the FIRST LEGO League Discover, FIRST LEGO League Explore, and the FIRST Robotics Competition programs in North Carolina. The mission of FIRST North Carolina is to inspire the next generation of engineers, computer scientists, and STEM leaders. Our goal is to strengthen the school to STEM career connection by implementing the FIRST progression of programs in every school and school district, PreK through grade 12.