Introducing a New Era of FIRST LEGO League: Expanding Reach and Classroom Access to STEM Learning

The Reimagined Program Brings Computer Science and Robotics into Everyday Learning for Students Worldwide 

MANCHESTER, N.H., January 12, 2026 – FIRST^®, the world’s largest youth-serving robotics community, today announced the next era of FIRST^® LEGO^® League, reimagining its flagship elementary and middle school program to better meet the evolving needs of educators and students worldwide. 

For nearly 30 years, FIRST LEGO League has introduced millions of young people across more than 100 countries to the excitement of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through hands-on learning. This next phase builds on that legacy with a more accessible, classroom-ready model that integrates computer science and robotics into students’ daily learning environments. 

“Educators told us they want engaging, flexible ways to bring STEM into the classroom —and students want learning experiences that feel relevant, collaborative, and fun,” said Chris Moore, CEO of FIRST. “This next generation of FIRST LEGO League reflects our commitment to meeting learners where they are, expanding access to high-quality STEM education, and inspiring more children to see themselves as problem-solvers, innovators, and creators.”  

Fit for the Classroom, Ready for Competition 

Powered by LEGO^® Education Computer Science & AI, the new FIRST LEGO League experience is designed to be easy to implement in kindergarten through eighth-grade classrooms and after-school settings, supported by educator resources aligned with next-generation learning goals. 

The program strengthens critical thinking, problem-solving, and social-emotional skill-building through an annual theme, team challenges, and research projects, celebrating the magic of learning through fun, competition-based activities. New elements include wireless hardware, interactive game models, clearly defined student roles, and semi-cooperative gameplay in which teams compete side-by-side on a shared field that rewards coordination and collaboration. 

Updated Structure to Better Serve Students 

As part of the evolution, FIRST LEGO League will adopt a simpler, more unified age-based structure that aligns more closely with school systems worldwide. This streamlined approach is intended to reduce common barriers for educators and helps ensure students are learning alongside peers at similar developmental stages. 

Beginning in the 2026–2027 season, FIRST will support a thoughtful transition to the new experience by offering two editions of FIRST LEGO League in parallel for a limited time, allowing teams and schools to adopt the new model at their own pace. 

Looking Ahead

By the 2028–2029 season, FIRST LEGO League will retire the editions and move forward as one cohesive program better positioned to inspire the next generation of STEM learners. 

FIRST remains committed to reaching students where they are, empowering them with the skills, confidence, and curiosity they need to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world. This new era of FIRST LEGO League ensures the FIRST mission continues to grow so that every student everywhere has access to STEM learning through FIRST programs.  

About FIRST^® 

FIRST^® is a robotics community that prepares young people for the future. FIRST provides life-changing, team-based K-12 robotics programs that give young people the skills, confidence, and resilience to build a better world. Boosted by a global support system of volunteers, educators, donors, and sponsors, teams operate under a signature set of FIRST Core Values to conduct research, fundraise, design, build, and showcase their achievements during annual challenges.

An international not-for-profit organization founded by accomplished inventor Dean Kamen in 1989, FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) has a proven impact  on STEM learning, interest, and skill-building well beyond high school. Participants and alumni of FIRST programs gain access to education and career discovery opportunities, connections to exclusive scholarships and employers, and a place in the FIRST community for life. Learn more at firstinspires.org.