FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a robotics competition founded by noted inventor Dean Kamen in 1991 to inspire students to pursue careers in science and to use math and science to make the world a better place. FIRST's mission is to promote "Gracious Professionalism" that encourages high-quality work, emphasizing the value of others, and respecting individuals and the community as a whole.

Dean Kamen's Vision: "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."

CRLS Robotics Team 97 is comprised of roughly 15 students and 8 mentors. Through the FIRST Robotics Competition, students involved with our team learn competitive skills that are often not taught in the traditional classroomm environment. These skills, coupled with over $9 Million dollars in scholarships available through FIRST, help enable students to successful careers in the fields of math, science, technology, and engineering.

Cambridge Rindge & Latin School is a comprehensive high school divided into four Learning Communities designed to promote high levels of learning and achievement for all students. Each Learning Community has from 400 to 450 students and CRLS offers over 30 clubs and extracurricular activities like FIRST Robotics. CRLS includes Rindge School of Technical Arts (RSTA) with state-of-the-art facilities for a wide variety of career and technical programs.