FIRST Robotics is a global organization dedicated to inspiring and engaging young minds in the field of robotics. FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) strives to cultivate a passion for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) among students. Under strict rules, limited time and resources, teams of students are challenged to raise funds, design a team "brand," hone teamwork skills, and build and program industrial-size robots to play a difficult field game against like-minded competitors. It’s as close to real-world engineering as a student can get. Volunteer professional mentors lend their time and talents to guide each team.