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A Global Stem Community

Build More Than Robots

FIRST is the world’s leading youth robotics community, delivering hands-on STEM learning that inspires innovation, builds confidence, and prepares kids for life. Across the globe, students thrive in our programs — powered by mentorship, teamwork, creativity, and engineering challenges.
More About FIRST Find a Team or Event Near You

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FIRST Programs

Explore Robotics Programs for Every Age

FIRST® robotics programs deliver hands-on STEM education to schools, afterschool programs, and community learning spaces. Each program offers fun, age-appropriate challenges tied to a yearly theme to help build STEM interest and adaptable skills, preparing students for STEM careers and leadership in a tech-driven world.

Children can join any of our three programs based on age or grade level. Ages may vary by region.
Find a Program

  • FIRST® LEGO® League

    Grades K-8

    Spark Early STEM Curiosity

    FIRST® LEGO® League guides elementary and middle school students through STEM learning and exploration at an early age. Through age-appropriate divisions, students will understand STEM basics and apply their skills in an exciting competition while building learning, confidence, and teamwork skills along the way.

    Explore the Program
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  • FIRST® Tech Challenge

    Grades 7-12

    Turn Ideas Into Innovation

    FIRST® Tech Challenge engages middle and high school students in robot design, coding, and competition. It is a powerful platform for developing real-world STEM skills, building confidence, and connecting students to mentorships and career exploration opportunities.

    Explore the Program
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  • FIRST® Robotics Competition

    Grades 9-12

    Engineer the Future of STEM

    FIRST® Robotics Competition empowers high school students to engineer industrial-sized robots for large-scale competition. Students work side-by-side with mentors, gaining technical, teamwork, and leadership experience that supports future workforce readiness and careers in STEM fields.

    Explore the Program
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Grades K-8

Spark Early STEM Curiosity

FIRST® LEGO® League guides elementary and middle school students through STEM learning and exploration at an early age. Through age-appropriate divisions, students will understand STEM basics and apply their skills in an exciting competition while building learning, confidence, and teamwork skills along the way.

Explore the Program
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Grades 7-12

Turn Ideas Into Innovation

FIRST® Tech Challenge engages middle and high school students in robot design, coding, and competition. It is a powerful platform for developing real-world STEM skills, building confidence, and connecting students to mentorships and career exploration opportunities.

Explore the Program
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Grades 9-12

Engineer the Future of STEM

FIRST® Robotics Competition empowers high school students to engineer industrial-sized robots for large-scale competition. Students work side-by-side with mentors, gaining technical, teamwork, and leadership experience that supports future workforce readiness and careers in STEM fields.

Explore the Program
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The Lasting Impact of Hands-On STEM

Founded as a nonprofit organization in 1989 by inventor Dean Kamen, FIRST offers a suite of life-changing youth robotics programs that build skills, confidence, and resilience. Our hands-on robotics challenges — from elementary school through high school — equip students with critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world engineering skills that shape their futures.
3.2 million youth participants since 1989
110 countries have a FIRST presence
83 % of FIRST alumni pursue STEM majors by year four of college
96 % of FIRST students overcome challenges through program participation
Why Choose FIRST

Why FIRST® Works

FIRST robotics programs are more than STEM afterschool programs — and they are way More Than Robots®. FIRST ignites confidence, curiosity, and long-term success. See how hands-on learning today builds tomorrow’s leaders.
See the FIRST Impact
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Core Skill Development

Through real-world robotics challenges, students apply science, technology, engineering, and math. They build problem-solving skills and resilience as part of a collaborative team.
Learn About FIRST
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Career Exploration

FIRST introduces students to mentors and STEM professionals — helping them explore and see themselves in careers in engineering, coding, and innovation while building critical life skills.
Learn More
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Global Community

Every FIRST robotics team is part of a global network of young innovators. With a culture of Coopertition®, students support each other as they fiercely compete and grow as individuals.
Join a Team
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Research-Backed Results

Studies show FIRST alumni are more likely to pursue STEM majors while they build important workplace skills, such as communications and problem solving. Our impact is measurable and lasting.
See the Impact
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STEM for Everyone

FIRST believes STEM is for everyone: it builds confidence and opens doors. We designed our robotics program to be welcoming, inspiring, and empowering across all ages and learning needs.
Learn More
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Mentorship Matters

Dedicated mentors and coaches help students learn, lead, and thrive. Their support brings FIRST robotics programs to life and has a lifelong impact on every participant.
Become a Mentor
2025-2026 Robotics Season

Uncover The Future with FIRST

Bring STEM inspiration, holistic skill building, and fun to your classroom or after school learning environment with collaborative problem solving during our archaeology-themed 2025-2026 robotics season.
Learn More & Get Involved
FIRST AGE presented by Qualcomm
FIRST Newsletter

Get Inspired with News & Updates from FIRST

As a FIRST newsletter subscriber, you will receive the latest news, interviews, spotlight stories on community members, and resources via email. You will also receive announcements about media coverage, special offers, events, and more. 
Check out a recent newsletter

Testimonials

Voices of the FIRST Community

When I saw how my friends were getting involved with FIRST, I got really interested. Everyone's willing to be kind to each other, willing to help you out. I said, "I want to be one of them."

Elena

FIRST Alum

Above all, I think FIRST allows you to be yourself. It encourages positive growth and helps you get to that next step you want to achieve in life. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I'd be working at Nike World Headquarters.

Logan

FIRST Alum

[Being on a FIRST team has] taught me critical thinking, how to take criticism, and how to be open to new ideas

Lia

FIRST Participant, Team Belize

Volunteering at FIRST is exciting and exhilarating and a way to give back to my community in a way that makes me feel full.

Kari

FIRST Mentor & Volunteer for 13 Years

When you volunteer, you walk into an event and its another family that's there. Even if it's your first event, you'll quickly become part of that family. These are the people that are my friends now.

Matthew

FIRST Volunteer for 14 Years
Meet the Community

A Global Network, United by STEM

Every student, parent, volunteer, educator, and supporter is part of something bigger at FIRST. Explore how our global community fuels innovation, collaboration, and impact.

  • Volunteers

    Volunteers

    FIRST volunteers make STEM come to life — from setting up events to cheering on teams. No experience is required, just a passion for helping students succeed.

    • Support events in your local area
    • Inspire students through hands-on support
    • Volunteer roles for every interest and schedule
    Join as a Volunteer

  • Mentors & Coaches

    Mentors & Coaches

    Mentors and coaches help students build technical skills and resiliency — shaping their confidence, leadership, and love for learning.

    • Help students design, code, and collaborate
    • Lead with empathy and expertise
    • No STEM background required to make an impact
    Become a Mentor

  • Parents

    Parents

    Parents empower FIRST teams by offering encouragement, pitching in at events, or even starting teams. Their involvement makes all the difference.

    • Sign up your student for a team
    • Stay connected to their STEM journey
    • Volunteer or start a team in your community
    How to Register Your Youth

  • Donors & Sponsors

    Donors & Sponsors

    From individual donors to global sponsors, our supporters fund access to high-quality STEM programs that change lives and futures.

    • Fund robotics teams or events
    • Provide in-kind donations or mentorship
    • Align your brand with innovation and inclusion
    Support the Mission

  • Educators

    Educators

    Educators bring FIRST into schools and classrooms — blending STEM education with teamwork, creativity, and real-world application.

    • Classroom-ready implementation options
    • Support for afterschool STEM programs
    • Professional development and peer collaboration
    Bring FIRST to Your School

  • Alumni

    Alumni

    FIRST alumni carry their STEM skills into college, careers, and communities, often returning as mentors, donors, and advocates.

    • Join the global alumni network
    • Share your story and inspire others
    • Discover new ways to stay involved 
    Stay Connected

Volunteers

FIRST volunteers make STEM come to life — from setting up events to cheering on teams. No experience is required, just a passion for helping students succeed.

  • Support events in your local area
  • Inspire students through hands-on support
  • Volunteer roles for every interest and schedule
Join as a Volunteer

Mentors & Coaches

Mentors and coaches help students build technical skills and resiliency — shaping their confidence, leadership, and love for learning.

  • Help students design, code, and collaborate
  • Lead with empathy and expertise
  • No STEM background required to make an impact
Become a Mentor

Parents

Parents empower FIRST teams by offering encouragement, pitching in at events, or even starting teams. Their involvement makes all the difference.

  • Sign up your student for a team
  • Stay connected to their STEM journey
  • Volunteer or start a team in your community
How to Register Your Youth

Donors & Sponsors

From individual donors to global sponsors, our supporters fund access to high-quality STEM programs that change lives and futures.

  • Fund robotics teams or events
  • Provide in-kind donations or mentorship
  • Align your brand with innovation and inclusion
Support the Mission

Educators

Educators bring FIRST into schools and classrooms — blending STEM education with teamwork, creativity, and real-world application.

  • Classroom-ready implementation options
  • Support for afterschool STEM programs
  • Professional development and peer collaboration
Bring FIRST to Your School

Alumni

FIRST alumni carry their STEM skills into college, careers, and communities, often returning as mentors, donors, and advocates.

  • Join the global alumni network
  • Share your story and inspire others
  • Discover new ways to stay involved 
Stay Connected
FIRST Events

Where STEM Learning Comes Alive

From local showcases to world-stage championships, FIRST events turn STEM activities into high-energy robotics competitions. Students celebrate their hard work, have fun, form connections, and boost problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration skills in real time.
Explore Events
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Youth Protection Program

Creating Safe Spaces for STEM Learning

FIRST is dedicated to creating safe, welcoming, and inspiring spaces where all students can thrive. Our Youth Protection Program equips mentors, coaches, event volunteers, and other supporters to deliver robotics programs with care, accountability, and respect for every student.
Learn More
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Supported by FIRST Strategic Partners

Leading companies across global industries trust FIRST. Our sponsors recognize the critical role of FIRST robotics programs in building interest in STEM and fortifying their talent pipelines with FIRST alumni equipped with adaptable skills. Strategic Partners significantly invest in FIRST to help expand our reach and overall impact.  

Find the Right Robotics Program

FIRST offers hands-on STEM afterschool programs for students of all ages and experience levels. If you’re looking to find a team or launch a new one, we can help you find the best fit for your school, community, or family.
Explore Programs