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Impact

Proven Results in STEM Education & Engagement

FIRST® programs deliver hands-on STEM experiences that shape confident, capable students ready for college, careers, and life. See how the data backs it up.
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FIRST students focused on a computer and robot at a FIRST event.

A Global Movement With Proven Results

From local classrooms to international competitions, FIRST transforms education and inspires the next generation of leaders. These stats show the scale of our reach.

 
3.2 million+ youth participants since 1989
110 countries have a FIRST presence
4500 FIRST events during the 2023-2024 season
33 million volunteer and educator hours served during the 2023-2024 season
FIRST Programs

STEM Education That Sparks a Future

Each FIRST program is designed to deliver hands-on STEM education with lasting impact. During the 2023-2024 season, FIRST reached a record 785,000 students.
Find Your Program

  • FIRST® LEGO® League

    FIRST LEGO LEAGUE

    Build Curiosity Early

    During the 2023-2024 season, more than 597,000 students ages 4-16 in 91 countries explored STEM education concepts and gained real-world problem-solving experiences through the guided, global FIRST® LEGO® League program – a powerful start to a lifelong FIRST impact.
    Explore the Program
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  • FIRST® Tech Challenge

    FIRST Tech Challenge

    Engineer. Code. Compete.

    More than 99,000 students ages 12-18 in 81 countries developed STEM skills, practiced engineering principles, and explored the value of teamwork during the 2023-2024 FIRST® Tech Challenge season.
    Explore the Program
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  • FIRST® Robotics Competition

    FIRST Robotics Competition

    Big Robots, Bold Futures

    In the ultimate sport for the mind, more than 87,000 students in 28 countries competed during the 2024 FIRST® Robotics Competition season — unlocking real-world engineering concepts, self-confidence, and workforce skills, supported by professional team mentors and sponsors.
    Explore the Program
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FIRST LEGO LEAGUE

Build Curiosity Early

During the 2023-2024 season, more than 597,000 students ages 4-16 in 91 countries explored STEM education concepts and gained real-world problem-solving experiences through the guided, global FIRST® LEGO® League program – a powerful start to a lifelong FIRST impact.
Explore the Program
20230420_bm_0319
FIRST Tech Challenge

Engineer. Code. Compete.

More than 99,000 students ages 12-18 in 81 countries developed STEM skills, practiced engineering principles, and explored the value of teamwork during the 2023-2024 FIRST® Tech Challenge season.
Explore the Program
20230420_bm_0446_1
FIRST Robotics Competition

Big Robots, Bold Futures

In the ultimate sport for the mind, more than 87,000 students in 28 countries competed during the 2024 FIRST® Robotics Competition season — unlocking real-world engineering concepts, self-confidence, and workforce skills, supported by professional team mentors and sponsors.
Explore the Program
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Our Theory of Change

FIRST understands interest, rather than academic proficiency, is a greater predictor of children pursuing studies and careers in STEM fields. Our evidence-based programs use strategies known to increase student interest and engagement in STEM and develop holistic skills, such as teamwork, problem-solving, and communication. These approaches, along with the FIRST Core Values, all lead to sustained STEM interest, attitudes, and actions post-high school, college, and into careers. 
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Strategy

Hands-On Learning

Hands-on experiences go beyond robot-building. Students learn other critical skills as they participate in our programs.
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Strategy

Teamwork With Real-World Relevance

Students collaborate as teams on thematic challenges relevant to their lives and the world around them.
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Strategy

Career Exposure

FIRST helps bridge the gap from curiosity to career confidence, helping students discover new career opportunities across industries.
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Strategy

Caring Mentors & Supporters

FIRST programs are powered by adult supporters who share knowledge, carry out the FIRST Core Values, and champion young people to think big.
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Strategy

Celebratory Events

FIRST participants engage in culminating celebrations where students can showcase what they created and learned.
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Strategy

FIRST Core Values

Teams learn to compete with integrity and kindness and to help others in need.
Outcomes & Impact

Real-World Relevance

Together, FIRST program strategies lead to sustained STEM interest and attitudes and holistic skill development. These outcomes influence participants’ actions after high school, such as their career pathways.
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Proven STEM Outcomes

From local classrooms to international competitions, FIRST transforms education and inspires the next generation of leaders. These results from the FIRST Longitudinal Study show the depth of our impact.
83 % of FIRST alumni pursue STEM majors by year four of college
51 % of female FIRST alumni declare a major in engineering or computer science by year four of college
63 % of FIRST alumni are currently employed in a STEM field
$ 62000 average salary of early career female FIRST alumni, compared with a $43,000 peer average
Impact Report

FIRST in the Spotlight

The 2024 FIRST Annual Impact Report shines a spotlight on FIRST programs’ impact and the ways we influence culture and create new generations of innovators.
Read Annual Impact Report
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Impact Study

10-Year FIRST Longitudinal Impact Study

Brandeis University’s unique, decade-long study followed FIRST participants and their peers over 10 years. The final report shows sustained FIRST impact, including increased STEM engagement, career interest, and college persistence among FIRST alumni.
Read Full Longitudinal Impact Study

Key findings from the report show:

  • STEM interest and attitudes transform into behaviors and actions beyond high school, where the majority of FIRST participants major in STEM. 
  • STEM-related gains are even more significant for female participants in FIRST than male participants, opening pathways into male-dominated fields. 
  • Early career indicators show FIRST participants are significantly more likely to be employed in a STEM field when compared with the national data set.

Peer-Reviewed Publications

Explore where the FIRST Longitudinal Study has been published in peer-reviewed publications, underscoring our commitment to data-backed STEM education and lasting youth development.
View 10-Year Cumulative Report

FIRST & Pursuing STEM

Published in the School Science and Mathematics Journal on Nov. 1, 2022, this peer-reviewed article provides empirical evidence of the role of FIRST in advancing STEM outcomes through afterschool robotics.
Read Study

Robotics Programs & STEM Interest

Presented at the American Education Research Association Annual Meeting on April 13, 2018, this report evaluates how FIRST afterschool robotics programming shapes students’ STEM-related interests, attitudes, and aspirations.
View Report

Robotics Programs & College Success

Published in the Journal of Pre-College Engineering Education Research in 2019, this report highlights how FIRST prepares students for college by building skills and motivation critical to post-secondary STEM education success.
Read Full Report

See Data Behind the Impact

From rigorous third-party studies to frequent internal evaluations, FIRST is committed to providing tangible evidence of our impact on students’ education and career choices. Explore FIRST impact reports that show how FIRST programs prepare young people for lasting success in school, careers, and life. 
View Annual Report

Download these briefs to discover how FIRST programs drive student engagement, interest, and intent to pursue STEM.

Explore Brandeis University’s unique study that followed a group of U.S.-based FIRST participants and a similar comparison group over 10 years, concluding in 2024.

Explore how FIRST promotes STEM for Everyone™ — helping ensure all youth have access to transformative learning opportunities.

  • 2025, Impact Highlights: PDF

Explore research on the impact of FIRST® LEGO® League, a guided, global program that ignites early STEM engagement.

FIRST LEGO League General

FIRST® LEGO® League Discover

FIRST® LEGO® League Explore

FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge

2013, Evaluation, Executive Summary

Explore research on the outcomes and impact to participants of FIRST Tech Challenge.

Explore research on the outcomes and impact to participants of FIRST Robotics Competition.

Explore internal FIRST alumni survey results on the lasting impact of FIRST programs.

Recognize Impact That Lasts

Two dozen FIRST Strategic Partners, more than 200 of the Fortune 500 companies, and thousands more companies sponsor FIRST programs in recognition of our commitment to meaningful, measurable impact.

Join Us in Powering Possibility

FIRST sponsors and donors do more than fund youth robotics — they fuel futures. Your support helps us deliver hands-on STEM programs that shape confident, capable leaders ready to drive innovation and strengthen tomorrow’s workforce. Let’s build what’s next, together.
Become a Sponsor Donate Now