Parents & Caregivers

Find Your Child’s Place in FIRST^®

Looking for robotics programs near you? FIRST^® helps kids ages 5-18 discover their potential through hands-on STEM, team-based challenges, and exciting competitions. From registering your child to starting a team, we’ll help you take the first step.

Find a Team Near You How To Register Your Child

FIRST Programs

STEM Programs That Spark Possibility

Whether you’re looking for robotics programs near you or hands-on STEM experiences your child will love, FIRST offers age-appropriate, team-based activities that nurture creativity, curiosity, and engineering skills through fun, themed annual challenges.

Find Your Program

FIRST^® LEGO^® League

STEM Starts With Play

FIRST^® LEGO^® League introduces children in grades K-8 (varies by region) to STEM learning through playful robotics and guided STEM programs. It’s a perfect fit for parents looking to bring early engineering activities for kids into the classroom or afterschool space.

Explore Program
FIRST^® Tech Challenge

Challenge Curious Minds

Designed for grades 7-12, FIRST^® Tech Challenge gives students the tools to design, build, and code robots in competitive, team-based settings. It’s STEM with purpose — developing real-world skills, confidence, and long-term curiosity.

Explore Program
FIRST^® Robotics Competition

Engineering for the Real World

FIRST^® Robotics Competition challenges high school students to tackle real engineering projects with real deadlines. With strong mentor guidance and sponsor support, students take their STEM lessons further – building collaboration, leadership, and future-ready skills.

Explore Program

STEM Starts With Play

FIRST^® LEGO^® League introduces children in grades K-8 (varies by region) to STEM learning through playful robotics and guided STEM programs. It’s a perfect fit for parents looking to bring early engineering activities for kids into the classroom or afterschool space.

Explore Program

Challenge Curious Minds

Designed for grades 7-12, FIRST^® Tech Challenge gives students the tools to design, build, and code robots in competitive, team-based settings. It’s STEM with purpose — developing real-world skills, confidence, and long-term curiosity.

Explore Program

Engineering for the Real World

FIRST^® Robotics Competition challenges high school students to tackle real engineering projects with real deadlines. With strong mentor guidance and sponsor support, students take their STEM lessons further – building collaboration, leadership, and future-ready skills.

Explore Program

FIRST Events

Where More Than Robots^® Comes To Life

From local scrimmages to global championships, FIRST events transform our robotics programs into unforgettable experiences. Our hands-on robotics competitions are equal parts thrilling and celebratory for participants and their cheering squad – boosting confidence, collaboration, and creativity along the way.

Events

FIRST Robotics Competition teams cheering at FIRST Championship

Youth Protection Program

Safe, Supportive STEM for Every Child

FIRST is committed to providing a safe, welcoming environment for every student. Through our Youth Protection Program, coaches, mentors, and volunteers are trained to support our robotics programs with high standards of care and respect.

Learn More

FIRST LEGO League robot with participant in background.

Youth Registration

How To Register Your Child With a FIRST Team

FIRST requires all youth participants to register. FIRST teams form in local schools, libraries, youth organizations, home school groups, and other community spaces – many can be found using our Team Search tool. If your child has been invited to join an existing team, visit our Youth Registration System Overview for steps to get your child registered to participate.

Youth Registration Find Teams Near You

Get Involved

Start or Join a Robotics Team

Looking for robotics programs near you or ways to enrich your child’s STEM learning? You can find an existing team to join or start one at your child’s school or in your own backyard. FIRST gives families the tools to bring STEM to life – right where they live and learn.

Start a Team Learn More About FIRST Teams

Support FIRST

Empower Your Child’s STEM Journey

Whether you give time, talent, or resources, your involvement helps deliver life-changing STEM learning opportunities to students everywhere.

Volunteer
Help out at local events, cheer from the sidelines, or lend a hand behind the scenes – your time makes a real impact on every student’s FIRST journey.

Support local events as a judge, referee, or greeter.

Help with team logistics, snacks, or transportation.

Be part of a community that celebrates learning.

View Volunteer Roles More About Volunteering
Be a Mentor
Share your skills and encouragement as a coach or mentor. You don’t need to be a STEM expert – just someone who believes in helping kids thrive.

Guide students through hands-on STEM challenges.

Build teamwork and problem-solving skills.

Inspire confidence and curiosity.

Be a Mentor
Sponsor
From sponsoring local teams to funding the expansion of FIRST in the regions you serve, your business can engage employees and expand the talent pipeline while supporting the mission of FIRST.

Sponsor local teams to boost your brand’s visibility.

Make in-kind donations to get your product in the hands of future professionals.

Join a sponsor community that comes from industries of all shapes and sizes.

Become a Sponsor
Donate
Every gift helps us reach more students with hands-on learning, mentorship, and opportunity. Make a difference that lasts a lifetime.

Provide STEM access to more young people.

Support inclusive, team-based robotics programs.

Help students build real-world skills and confidence.

Donate
Workplace Giving
Double your impact with employer-matched gifts or start a workplace giving campaign to support the next generation of STEM leaders.

Find out if your employer matches donations.

Launch a corporate giving initiative.

Engage employees through volunteer opportunities.

Get Started

Help out at local events, cheer from the sidelines, or lend a hand behind the scenes – your time makes a real impact on every student’s FIRST journey.

Support local events as a judge, referee, or greeter.
Help with team logistics, snacks, or transportation.
Be part of a community that celebrates learning.

View Volunteer Roles More About Volunteering

Share your skills and encouragement as a coach or mentor. You don’t need to be a STEM expert – just someone who believes in helping kids thrive.

Guide students through hands-on STEM challenges.
Build teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Inspire confidence and curiosity.

Be a Mentor

From sponsoring local teams to funding the expansion of FIRST in the regions you serve, your business can engage employees and expand the talent pipeline while supporting the mission of FIRST.

Sponsor local teams to boost your brand’s visibility.
Make in-kind donations to get your product in the hands of future professionals.
Join a sponsor community that comes from industries of all shapes and sizes.

Become a Sponsor

Every gift helps us reach more students with hands-on learning, mentorship, and opportunity. Make a difference that lasts a lifetime.

Provide STEM access to more young people.
Support inclusive, team-based robotics programs.
Help students build real-world skills and confidence.

Donate

Double your impact with employer-matched gifts or start a workplace giving campaign to support the next generation of STEM leaders.

Find out if your employer matches donations.
Launch a corporate giving initiative.
Engage employees through volunteer opportunities.

Get Started

Stay Connected to Your Child’s STEM Journey

Whether you’re cheering from the sidelines or leading the way, we’ll help you stay informed and inspired as your child grows through STEM. Sign up for news and updates from FIRST.

Subscribe Now

The Impact of STEM on Your Child

Parents across the world see the difference our robotics programs make. These stats show how FIRST programs – and the collaborative engineering activities that power them – help kids thrive in school, their communities, and beyond.

3.2 million youth participants since 1989

110 countries have a FIRST presence

83 % of FIRST alumni pursue STEM majors by year four of college

96 % of FIRST students overcome challenges through program participation

Testimonials

Parents on the Impact of FIRST

For my child, FIRST is a rewarding and memorable experience that will last a lifetime: From the heartfelt inclusion of being a part of the team, to the amazing camaraderie and friendships that went along with it. Yes, a robot was built during this process, but my child also built important life skills including (but certainly not limited to) commitment, determination, resiliency, perseverance, collaboration, problem solving and communication skills.

Debbie

FIRST Parent

When I heard about the FIRST^® LEGO^® League program, I knew it would be a great idea for my son to join. I was excited about the new ideas my son would learn about engineering, teamwork, and good values.

Christina

FIRST Parent

I’m the mother of a child that teachers had written off and whose school could do little to help. In ninth grade, he switched to a STEM school where a counselor encouraged him to join a FIRST team. My son, previously dismissed by so many as a troublemaker, was accepted by them, no questions asked. He became a valued member of this team. FIRST changed my son’s life.

Franny

FIRST Parent

Get Started Today

Curious about how to get your child involved in STEM? Whether you’re looking for robotics programs near you, interested in starting a team, or want to bring engaging STEM lessons to your school or community, we’ll guide you through the next steps.

Supported by FIRST Strategic Partners

When you get your child involved in FIRST, you join a worldwide network committed to expanding access to STEM and robotics programs near you. Backed by leading sponsors and partners, FIRST empowers families to bring hands-on engineering activities and meaningful STEM learning into schools and communities everywhere.

Find Your Child’s Place in FIRST^®