Start a Team

FIRST® is a robotics community that prepares young people for the future through a suite of inclusive, team-based PreK-12 robotics programs that can be facilitated in school or as a structured after-school program.

Powered by a mission-driven global robotics community, evidence-based programs designed to ignite curiosity and encourage exploration, and a signature set of FIRST Core Values, FIRST students are prepared for greater success in the classroom and workforce. Whether it is finding their people or finding their path, students gain the skills and confidence to forge ahead and build their future with FIRST.

Anyone can start a FIRST team

FIRST provides resources (from fundraising to programming) to help you get started. You’ll also have the support of the FIRST Community, including other coaches and mentors, volunteers, alumni, and local Program Delivery Partners, who are eager to share their knowledge, resources, and insights.

FIRST does not match youth to existing teams due to our privacy policy. Teams form in local communities and recruit as needed. We encourage those looking for a team to contact local schools, libraries, or youth organizations that may have a team in place or an interest in starting one. An online search may also be helpful, as some teams share contact information through websites and social media pages.

 


Elementary school programs

Explore real-world scientific challenges and introduce coding and robot building principles using LEGO® MINDSTORMS®, SPIKETM Prime, SPIKETM Prime Essential, or LEGO® Education WeDo® 2.0.

Participants develop teamwork and collaboration skills and learn how STEM interacts with our world.

Middle school programs

Develop programming and robot building skills using LEGO MINDSTORMS*, SPIKE Prime*, or a modular kit of parts and Android technology^

Participants develop workforce skills and collaborate to solve season-specific challenges. Students in FIRST Tech Challenge are eligible to apply for over $80 million in scholarships through the FIRST Scholarship Program and when they graduate become FIRST Alumni.​

High school programs

Teams of students create, build, and program robots to complete tasks on a competitive playing field. 

Students are eligible to apply for over $80 million in scholarships through the FIRST Scholarship Program and when they graduate become FIRST Alumni.

 

FIRST Class Pack

An implementation option for classrooms or after-school programs. Class Pack provides educators and communities with flexible, high-quality STEM learning experiences for students. For information on PreK-12 Class Pack options go to the Class Pack website.