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Donate Find Teams & Events
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Inspired by nature. Powered by innovation.

Using a winning formula of inspiration, hands-on learning, team-based problem solving, mentorship, and celebration, FIRST® helps kids build their futures.

More Than Robots®, we are a life-changing global community of mentors, educators, volunteers, sponsors, parents, and alumni who are dedicated to helping all young people develop the skills, confidence, and resilience to succeed.

Exciting, hands-on FIRST programs have a proven and lasting impact on STEM learning and interest in students. FIRST participants work as teams in creative learning environments to solve an annual, themed robotics challenge.

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2026-2027 ROBOTICS SEASON

Engineer a thriving planet with FIRST®

Nothing on Earth thrives alone. Every gene, species, and ecosystem is part of a rich web of biological diversity that powers clean air, fresh water, and food.

With STEM as their tool and nature as inspiration, today’s boldest innovators are finding new ways to strengthen the connections that protect our shared home.

Building. Problem solving. Growing stronger through teamwork.

Welcome to our 2026-2027 biodiversity-themed robotics season, FIRST® CANOPY™.

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. 

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FIRST® LEGO® League (ages 5-16, varies by country / grades K-8) introduces STEM to children through fun, hands-on challenges using LEGO® Education technology. Participants gain real-world problem-solving experiences through a guided, global robotics program.

Releasing on August 4, 2026, experience the vibrancy of the world’s ecosystems in the BIOGLOW™ Challenge. The final season of FIRST LEGO League will offer two editions (event availability, format, and timing will vary by region):

  • BIOGLOW Founders Edition for FIRST® LEGO® League Explore (Grades 2-4) and Challenge (Grades 4-8), based on LEGO® Education SPIKE™ technology.

  • BIOGLOW Future Edition for FIRST® LEGO® League K-2 and 3-8, based on LEGO® Education Computer Science & AI hardware.
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FIRST® Tech Challenge (ages 12-18 / grades 7-12) students work together with their mentors to design and build robots to compete in a dynamic and exciting challenge released every September.

Teams program classroom-scale robots to follow autonomous commands before student drivers take control in two-on-two matches. On and off the field, students develop STEM skills, engage in community outreach, practice engineering innovation, and build confidence to help them succeed.

Starting September 12, 2026, FIRST Tech Challenge teams will amplify the excitement and energy found within the natural world during a new challenge, BIOBUZZ™ presented by RTX.
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Each January brings a new challenge for FIRST® Robotics Competition (ages 14-18 / grades 9-12) teams. Starting with a Kit of Parts, they design, program, and build industrial-sized robots to play an action-packed game as part of a three-team alliance.

In 360-degree learning guided by mentors, students learn engineering and problem-solving skills as they compete for awards, hone teamwork skills, raise funds to meet team goals, and advance appreciation for STEM in their community.

On January 9, 2027, FIRST Robotics Competition teams will delve into the heart of what sustains life on Earth in the BIOCORE™ presented by Haas season game.
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Receive information about FIRST programs and how you can engage students in exciting hands-on STEM activities. 
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Get inspired with FIRST news and stories. As a FIRST newsletter subscriber, you will receive the latest news, interviews, spotlight stories on community members, and resources via email.
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Gear Up with FIRST

The FIRST Store is your one-stop shop for authentic FIRST gear made exclusively for the FIRST community. Shop for gadgets, t-shirts, apparel, hats, backpacks, accessories, and fun gift ideas.
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Volunteer with Purpose

FIRST competitions are made possible by volunteers. From a few hours to events all year long, every role helps students grow, learn, and thrive. Be part of a global robotics community preparing young people for the future.
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Support the Future

Giving to FIRST is an investment in our future innovators, creators, and leaders. FIRST donors and sponsors are dedicated to lifting up young people to change the world. Help inspire the next generation with our impact-proven programs. 
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