i.am FIRST

i.am FIRST is our global initiative to ensure all youth have equal access to the transformative power of FIRST Robotics regardless of economic or social circumstances. FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a world-class robotics competition combining the excitement of sports with the rigors of engineering.

In 2021, we launched a groundbreaking partnership with the L.A. Unified School District (LAUSD) to bring FIRST robotics programs to 400 Los Angeles public schools, reaching over 12,000 middle and high school students.

We are proud to partner with inventor and FIRST Robotics founder Dean Kamen to encourage and celebrate the engineering prowess of kids everywhere. “I’m proud to help FIRST inspire young people to pursue science and technology careers… The experience that students gain and the values they learn in FIRST programs are crucial to creating the innovative problem solvers of tomorrow.” — will.i.am

Latest News

2024 FIRST Global Challenge in Athens, Greece

2024 FIRST Global Challenge in Athens, Greece: an unforgettable celebration of innovation, teamwork, and global collaboration! i.am Angel Foundation, will.i.am and Black Eyed Peas Celebrate 2024 FIRST Global Challenge Award Winners, Highlighting Global Unity and STEM Innovation for Food Sustainability…

Read More

i.am Angel & LAUSD Present: 2024-2025 FIRST Tech Challenge Kickoff

[embed]https://youtu.be/4SwsswEVXK8?si=QRz8-8Hg3z1lAGWu[/embed] On September 7th, over 100 students and coaches gathered at Benjamin Franklin High School in Los Angeles for the i.am Angel Foundation and LAUSD’s first-ever FIRST Tech Challenge Kickoff. The event aimed to energize and prepare students for the…

Read More

LAUSD Completes Inaugural FTC Robotics Season

In June of 2021, the i.am/Angel Foundation and the Los Angeles Unified School District partnered together to announce an initiative to create robotics teams for over 400 LAUSD middle and high schools. This initiative was a first of its kind…

Read More

How Our FIRST Robotics Teams Performed in 2020

Although the COVID-19 virus forced a Stay at Home order in Los Angeles, our three LA-based FIRST Robotics Competition teams were fortunate enough to compete at the LA Regional before the order was issued. On the weekend of March 8th,…

Read More

will.i.am Funds FIRST Robotics Teams for Ferguson Students

From the St. Louis American, originally published on April 29, 2015 by Mariah Stewart: Grammy award-winning artist Will.i.am recently announced he will help fund a science, technology, engineering, and technology (STEM) program for high school students in Ferguson. Last week,…

Read More