About Us

Colorado FIRST was founded in 2001 to represent and achieve the mission of FIRST^® (www.firstinspires.org). FIRST was founded in 1989 to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology. Based in Manchester, NH, the 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity designs accessible, innovative robotics programs that motivate young people to pursue education and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math, while building self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills. In 2008, Colorado Robotics, Excelling at Science and Technology, Inc. (dba Colorado FIRST and Mindsports Colorado) was granted 501(c)(3) non-profit status as a Colorado non-profit corporation.

The Mission of FIRST

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, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.

The Vision of FIRST

“To transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated and where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes.”

The Mission of Colorado FIRST

The mission of Colorado FIRST is to deliver high quality FIRST robotics programs to students in Colorado including managing tournaments, supporting teams, and working with our program mentors. Our long term goal is to develop the business and technology leaders of tomorrow.

Colorado does not produce enough scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians to meet its current or growing demand for skilled employees. Exacerbating the situation, the “baby boom” retirement has begun. Colorado is proud to be home to one of the most well-educated workforces in America, but we import the great majority of our degreed workers. Colorado is particularly at risk because our twenty-first century industry is focused in technology, engineering, energy, aerospace, and entrepreneurialism.

Colorado FIRST is uniquely positioned with the programs of FIRST to identify, recruit and develop the technical leaders of tomorrow for Colorado.

Our long term goal is to have FIRST teams in at least 75% of the more than 1800 Colorado K-12 public and private schools. Our annual goal is to increase the number of Colorado’s K-12 students participating in the programs of FIRST. A significant increase in grades K-12 participation in all the Colorado FIRST programs will build the talent pipeline for Colorado’s STEM based economy.