FIRST®, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, is a non-profit organization dedicated to growing the next generation of science and technology leaders in the workforce by engaging them in robotics with fun and exciting competitive events for diverse teams of students. The organization places a focus on qualities that foster teamwork, including Gracious Professionalism and Coopertition. 

Each program level allows for bigger robots and more complex pieces, and Java The Hutts is part of FIRST Tech Challenge, or FTC. Even though FIRST is a robotics competition, one key motto is "more than robots". In fact, the most prestigious award offered in competition is the Inspire award, which focuses on other facets of competition, including the engineering notebook and community outreach. Dean Kamen, FIRST founder, has also touted FIRST as the only "sport" where every student can go "pro" qualifying for scholarships, obtaining internships, and securing high-paying STEM jobs applying the skills and knowledge learned through their involvement in FIRST programs.