About FIRST Indiana Robotics
As a leading member of the global FIRST network, FIRST Indiana Robotics equips youth ages 4-18 with critical future-ready skills through inclusive, team-based robotics programs across Indiana. Supported by more than 200 partners, these programs emphasize research, design, and teamwork, culminating in showcases for participants to demonstrate their projects. Founded in 1989 by Dean Kamen, FIRST promotes hands-on STEM learning while providing career opportunities, scholarships, and lifelong community membership.
For Students
Prepare for Creativity
At FIRST Indiana Robotics, you’re invited to dive into hands-on learning, confront real-world challenges, and hone a broad spectrum of skills ranging from STEM disciplines—science, technology, engineering, and math—to crucial abilities like communication and teamwork. Our vibrant competitions, including the FIRST LEGO League, FIRST Tech Challenge, and FIRST Robotics Competition, provide a dynamic platform for you to display your innovative solutions, yet our journey goes beyond just constructing robots. Whatever your passion or talents, there’s a place for you here.
“FIRST is not just robotics. It’s really a mentorship program. So I’m learning how to run a business. I’m learning how to write grants. I’m learning how to make graphics and post on social media, how to talk in front of a large crowd of people, how to present, how to talk about the things that I’m really passionate about.”
For Parents
Enrich Your Child’s Future
We embrace a simple philosophy: “We don’t use kids to build robots. We use robots to build kids.” This approach nurtures your child’s curiosity and fosters their development in an environment that values learning, teamwork, and problem-solving above all
By offering a safe and inclusive community, we ensure that your child has the opportunity to delve into their STEM interests, acquire essential life skills, and lay the groundwork for a promising future.
“As a parent, I couldn’t be more pleased with the impact FIRST Indiana Robotics has had for my son. Through the incredible mentorship, hands-on learning experiences, and supportive community, my son has continued to develop into a confident young leader with a passion for engineering and a clear direction for his future.”
For Teachers/Mentors
Inspire the Next Generation
At FIRST Indiana Robotics, mentors—including industry professionals, teachers, parents, and volunteers—partner with young adults to create an enriching experience that extends far beyond building robots.
This collaboration instills confidence and self-respect in students, making them 50% more likely to attend college and twice as likely to pursue majors in science and engineering. By joining our community, you’ll play a pivotal role in guiding and inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders.
Your involvement, regardless of a background in robotics or education, is crucial in cultivating a lifelong passion for learning and innovation among bright young minds. Together, we can make a significant impact on their futures.
“It’s STEM. You’re going to get to work with real-world volunteers who are in the field of those careers, working with some of the CEOs who have donated money to our program…[and] these are lifelong skills. They’re learning how to work with each other. And most of these students want to go into a computer science field or they want to go into engineering.”
For Sponsors
Contribute to Indiana’s Advancement
Sponsoring FIRST Indiana Robotics, a 501(c)3 organization, in an investment in a future-ready, diverse workforce. Your support signifies a commitment to community and educational growth, and helps unlock STEM opportunities for Indiana’s youth. Explore our sponsorship opportunities to see how you can make a lasting impact on students, our communities, and Indiana’s future workforce.
