1. John Luvera R&D Program Manager Defense Logistics Agency
FIRST Robotics
John Luvera
R&D Program Manager
Defense Logistics Agency

2. Overview
For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) was founded by Dean Kamen (Deka Research) over 30 years ago
FIRST mission is to make the hands-on learning and community-building opportunities of robotics available to every kid, everywhere around the globe
Programs cover K-12 (FLL, Jr. , FLL, FTC, FRC).
DoD STEM developed partnership in 2009 with 49 teams.
Number of sites, teams, DoD volunteers and students has increased to 901 team and 9,840 children as of ( ). (source: Overview of Defense Laboratories & STEM Development office brief 20 June 2018)
DoD scientist and engineer volunteers have
provided an estimated 148,000 hours of mentoring
in support of FIRST.

3. What is FIRST?
FIRST is a US-based global robotics competition whose mission is to inspire elementary, middle school, and high school students to be science and technology leaders.  From a modest beginning with 28 teams in New Hampshire gymnasium in 1992, the program has grown to reach 400,000 students worldwide.   Some 200,000 mentors, coaches, judges, and volunteers in more than 80 countries support 44,000 teams.  FIRST's emphasis on technical excellence and problem solving inspires innovation while at the same time fostering well- rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership. (source:

4. FIRST Programs FIRST Lego League, Jr. (Grades K-3) uses Lego WeDo
FIRST Lego League (Grades 4-9) use Lego Mindstorms or Spike (2019)
FIRST Tech Challenge (Grades 7-12) uses REV Robotics or TETRIX
FIRST Robotics Competition (Grades 9-12) uses some standard components but open to others within specifications
Challenges vary year-to-year but materials can mostly be re0used (subject to rules)

5. Examples

6. Why (FIRST) Robotics?
Participating on a robotics team doesn’t just benefit the kids who will go on to work in STEM fields
Builds critical work-life skills like creative problem solving, critical thinking, teamwork and soft skills
Prepares students for the future providing skills to adapt quickly to changing technology and environments, and collaboration to drive innovation
Inspires creativity and entrepreneurship

7. Why (FIRST) Robotics?
Provides competition and cooperation (Coopertition ©) working together toward a common goal
Applying technology to develop robots and control systems—under pressure and with enthusiasm! Multi-million dollars in available scholarships
Project based experience
Pride of ownership – “I/We built that!”

8. Resources FIRST – www.firstinspires.org DoD STEM - www.dodstem.us
FIRST Chesapeake District -
The Blue Alliance –