FIRST Robotics

Inspiring young people since 1992, FIRST® began with 28 teams in a New Hampshire high-school gym. Today, the four FIRST programs reach over 400,000 young people annually. The fun they have, the knowledge they gain, and the friendships they make along the way help build self-confidence, nurture creativity, and inspire them to solve the world’s greatest challenges, be strong citizens, and build a brighter future. 

Combining the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. FIRST Robotics Competition is the ultimate Sport for the Mind. High-school student participants call it “the hardest fun you’ll ever have.” Under strict rules, limited resources, and an intense six-week time limit, 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. Each season ends with an exciting FIRST Championship.

Local Teams include: 

• 5950 Trojans – Dry Fork, VA
• 977 Cometbots – South Boston, VA
• 1262 STAGS – Martinsville, VA 
• 3258 MADAWGS – Martinsville, VA
• 1598 Team Talon – Danville, VA