About FIRST

SWARM is a First Robotics Competition team - FRC

"For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology."

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

Through a progression of team-based challenges and backed by a global network of mentors, coaches, volunteers, alumni, and sponsors, FIRST helps young people discover a passion for STEM and develop the skills they’ll need to succeed in today’s competitive workforce.

FLL
Grades PreK-8
Ages4-16

FTC
Grades 7-12
Ages 12-18

FRC
Grades 9-12
Ages 14-18

FIRST was founded by Dean Kamen in 1989, and last season (2022) was their 32nd year of FIRST competitions.

The impact of FIRST has been immense, with 75% of FIRST Alumni now working in a STEAM-related field. Students involved with the program are 2.6 times more likely to enroll in a college engineering class in their freshman year.

Source: https://www.firstinspires.org/about/impact

The FRC program in Oregon is part of the Pacific Northwest District (PNW) under the leadership of FIRST Washington(FIRSTWa) and ORTOP.

Check out this video from FIRST.

How To Turn Your FIRST Experience Into Your STEAM Dream Job.

The Blue Alliance is a website and an App.

It’s helpful for scouting (find statistics about teams), to learn about FRC teams around the world, and competition schedules. Their app is also the best way to keep updated about matches and scores during competitions.                    

FIRST streams FRC competitions live, on Twitch.

Our matches will be streamed on 

FirstWa and

FIRSTinspires channels

Twitch requires a free, easy to set up account. It’s easier if this is set up before the competition starts.