The U.S. Embassy was pleased to support students participating in FIRST Lego League, FIRST Lego League Junior, and FIRST Tech Challenge, March 1-2, 2017, in Tel Aviv. FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Israel is a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring youth to pursue learning and careers in engineering, science, and technology. FIRST Israel (est. in 2005) is a program of the Technion, and is inspired by FIRST established in the U.S. by inventor Dean Kamen in 1998. Young people ages 6-18 participate in teams, together with community mentors, in sport-like robotics competitions. FIRST not only creates excitement about science and technology, but also instills life values and skills such as community involvement, self-confidence, and teamwork. In the 2016/17 season, over 11,000 students are being inspired through FIRST Israel.

U.S. Embassy Cultural Attache Jon Berger praised FIRST Israel on their outstanding efforts to promote STEAM in Israel, congratulated the students for their impressive achievements and dedication to science and technology. On behalf of the U.S. Embassy and the American people, Mr. Berger presented the most prestigious FIRST INSPIRE Award to the winners of FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) - Black Tigers from Kfar Yona. In April, the winners will travel to the U.S. to participate in FIRST Tech Challenge Championship in Houston, Texas.