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EXPLORE THE FUTURE
Kids have a natural curiosity, creativity, and desire to explore. At FIRST®, we understand the power of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) to inspire their innovative spirit and boost self-esteem.
Project-based, hands-on FIRST programs introduce students to engineering and coding in an engaging, inclusive, and creative learning environment in schools and local communities. Participants work collaboratively to solve an annual, themed robotics challenge.
FIRST is More Than Robots®. Our PreK-12 programs are designed to help all young people develop creative problem-solving, leadership, and communications skills. Supported by a network of mentors, educators, volunteers, sponsors, parents, and alumni in over 100 countries, the FIRST experience gives participants lasting inspiration and confidence to build a better future for themselves and their communities.
JOIN OUR OCEAN-INSPIRED ROBOTICS SEASON
The ocean is more than what you can see on the horizon. Beneath the surface lies our planet’s most complex ecosystems, full of life and potential for exploration and learning, where each inhabitant has a role to play in building a thriving environment.
During the 2024-2025 FIRST season, FIRST® DIVE℠ presented by Qualcomm, teams will use their STEM and collaboration skills to explore life beneath the surface of the ocean. Along the way, we’ll uncover the potential in each of us to strengthen our community and innovate for a better world with healthy oceans. Join us as we explore the future.
EXCITING STEM PROGRAMS FOR EVERY AGE
Children can join any of our three programs based on age or grade level. Ages may vary by region.
FIRST® LEGO® League (ages 4-16/grades PreK-8) introduces STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) to children through fun, exciting hands-on learning. Participants gain real-world problem-solving experiences as today’s students and educators build a better future together. FIRST LEGO League helps students explore and apply their critical thinking and design skills and build habits of learning and teamwork through a guided, global robotics program with three age-appropriate divisions.
In the SUBMERGED℠ challenge, launching August 6, 2024, FIRST LEGO League teams will use creative thinking and LEGO® technology to explore the layers of the ocean and bring their learnings and ideas to the surface as they “sea” into the future.
FIRST® Tech Challenge (ages 12-18 / grades 7-12) students learn to think and problem solve as engineers, solving complex challenges and playing a fun, engaging season game. Teams design, build, and program robots to compete alongside and against other teams in thrilling robotics competitions, while also competing on and off the field for judged awards. Guided by adult coaches and mentors and the FIRST ethos of Gracious Professionalism®, students develop STEM skills, engage in outreach in their community, practice engineering innovation, celebrate teamwork, and build confidence to carry them through life.
In the INTO THE DEEP℠ presented by RTX challenge, launching September 7, 2024, FIRST Tech Challenge teams will dive their robots into the depths of the ocean to explore the unknown and reveal its wonders.
Combining the excitement of sport with the rigors of STEM, FIRST® Robotics Competition (ages 14-18 / grades 9-12) teams use sophisticated technology to build and program industrial-sized robots to play an action-packed, alliance-based game on a themed field that changes every year. With guidance from mentors and sponsors, students learn engineering and problem-solving skills that they can apply to real-world situations today and in the future. Teams of students compete for awards, while they also create a team identity, raise funds, hone teamwork skills, and advance respect and appreciation for STEM within the local community.
In REEFSCAPE℠ presented by Haas, a new challenge launching January 4, 2025, FIRST Robotics Competition teams will use their engineering skills to strengthen one of the ocean’s most diverse habitats – making waves to build a better world.
MAKE WAVES WITH FIRST
Sign up to learn more about our programs and how you can join our 2024-2025 season
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