The FIRST Robotics Competition is the flagship program of FIRST ( For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), a non-profit 501©(3) organization founded by Dean Kamen in 1989 to inspire young people, their schools and communities an appreciation of science and technology, and an understanding that mastering these can enrich the lives of all. The vision of FIRST incorporated transforming our culture to increase the awareness, appreciation and value of science, engineering and technology and to celebrate technology and science heroes who improve our everyday lives.

FIRST represents a supportive network of educators, parents and community members, elected officials, engineering professionals, small businesses, corporation and governmental agencies. These community members assist teams that have been formed through local high schools. The kids must be 15-18 years old and be either a Sophomore, Junior or Senior in high school. After the teams are formed, FIRST issues a prerequisite of the robots they are to build. There are two different types of robots that participate in the competition and each school is assigned which robot they will design. Every year the objective of the game changes so that teams have to design a new robot each year. When the teams come together at the competition, each team is matched with another so that the two different robot systems have to work together to accomplish a task. FIRST is not only promoting science, engineering and technology, but the understanding that success is based on teamwork and partnerships.

ARES has been involved in this volunteer-based organization for the past 3 ½ years as a result of Richard Starr's dedication to the mentorship of the youth in America. He has assisted numerous teams in the development of their project by manufacturing needed parts and guidance in engineering. Richard Starr has been a judge for the Regional Competition for the past two years and this year was a Senior Judge. He traveled to Seattle, in late March, to judge the Northwest Regional Competition and then to Orlando, where he was a Senior Judge at the Championship Competition, this included teams from countries such as Brazil, UK and Canada.

Because of the tragedy of September 11, 2001, now more than ever it is important to support the development of a scientifically and technologically literate society and workforce. ARES believes that FIRST is a positive program that celebrates the basic values which have been the foundation of America's prosperity- learning, teamwork, innovation, entrepreneurship and gracious professionalism.