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.
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.
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FIRST® LEGO® League
Grades K-8Spark 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.
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FIRST® Tech Challenge
Grades 7-12Turn 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.
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FIRST® Robotics Competition
Grades 9-12Engineer 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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.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.
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
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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.