About Us

Who We Are

The FIRST in Oklahoma team is a collaboration of schools, businesses, professional organizations and universities with the goal of giving every student in our area the opportunity to participate in FIRST from kindergarten through high school graduation.

Oklahoma students participate in this exciting and educational program at all grade levels, ages K-12. Our FIRST Robotics programs supplement our many under-resourced schools with after-school opportunities to learn STEM and business skills that will build tomorrow’s tech-savvy workforce. These lessons are learned through hands-on explorations in mechanical assembly, Computer Aided Design, computer programming, presentation skills, and how to work in a professional team environment. A FIRST team can even be like a small technology start-up company for students!

These opportunities are made possible by the many volunteers and sponsors in Oklahoma, providing experienced professional mentoring, materials, and manufacturing.

History

FIRST was founded in 1989 by Dean Kamen, an inventor and tireless advocate for science and technology. His determination to help young people discover the rewards of STEM education and careers is the cornerstone of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology).

The FIRST organization became active in Oklahoma with the introduction of the Oklahoma FIRST Robotics Competition Regional in 2008 (here is an old interview about it). FIRST Tech Challenge and FIRST Lego League were soon to follow. In 2024, there were:

38 FRC teams (grades 9-12)

83 FTC teams (grades 7-12)

150 FLL Challenge teams (grades 4-8)

79 FLL Explore teams (grades K-4)

with approximately 5000 team members located in every corner of the state. Over a thousand mentors and event volunteers help run the program, and our students participate in tens of thousands of hours of community outreach each year in addition to the time they spend working on their robots.

About FIRST

The mission of FIRST^® is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering, and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.

Dean Kamen, the founder of FIRST, is a prolific inventor, entrepreneur, and tireless advocate for science and technology. His passion and determination to help young people discover the excitement and rewards of science and technology are the cornerstones of FIRST. For over 30 years, Kamen has resolutely led the growth of FIRST to where it is now universally recognized as the leading, not-for-profit STEM engagement program for kids worldwide.

For more information, visit the FIRST web site: www.firstinspires.org

FIRST Core Values

We express the FIRST philosophies of Gracious Professionalism and Coopertition through our Core Values:

• Discovery: We explore new skills and ideas.
• Innovation: We use creativity and persistence to solve problems.
• Impact:  We apply what we learn to improve our world.
• Inclusion: We respect each other and embrace our differences.
• Teamwork: We are stronger when we work together.
• Fun: We enjoy and celebrate what we do!

Our Team

The FIRST in Oklahoma leadership team includes: