Classroom to Career

Get Anywhere with FIRST^®

At FIRST, we understand every student’s school-to-career journey looks different. We offer support at every stage with hands-on experiences, industry-recognized certifications, work-based learning, career and technical education (CTE) alignment, alumni connections, and exclusive scholarship opportunities.

Real Impact. Real Opportunity.

Hundreds of thousands of students take part in FIRST annually around the world, giving participants the chance to build real skills, connect with mentors, and gain confidence for their next steps. As FIRST alumni, they gain skills and attitudes needed in today’s workforce.

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

200 + scholarship, university, and workforce partners

800 k+ students engaged annually in our programs

90 % of FIRST alumni gain perseverance, teamwork, and problem-solving skills

Career Awareness & Resources

Discover What’s Possible

Career discovery is built into every FIRST experience. Students collaborate with STEM professionals and mentors, take on team roles that mirror real careers in engineering, business, and communications, and learn from alumni and industry partners about the many directions STEM can lead.

Explore our Career Resources

FIRST Robotics Competition student working on their robot at FIRST Championship with the help of a FIRST mentor.

Industry Certifications

Skills That Set Them Apart

Certifications let students showcase their technical skills and hands-on learning across a range of disciplines. From CAD and programming to CNC machining, these credentials can support college applications, job readiness, or career transitions. FIRST gives students access to these learning resources and exclusive industry-aligned certification pathways.

View our Learning Pathways

Career & Technical Education

Workforce-Ready from the Start

Through FIRST, students apply classroom knowledge in hands-on, team-based environments that mirror real careers. These experiences support workforce readiness, leadership development, and align with Career and Technical Education (CTE) goals across multiple industries.

Build your CTE Pathway Five Ways to Support CTE with FIRST

FIRST program alignment with CTE

FIRST aligns with U.S. national CTE goals and supports funding eligibility in many states
Programs reinforce work-based learning, project-based curriculum, and student-led innovation
Students can explore customizable structured course pathways built around robotics, engineering, programming, and fabrication
Educators can position FIRST as a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) in qualifying states
FIRST offers resources to start student leadership boards and integrate with local CTE programs

Alumni Engagement

Stay Connected, Keep Building

The FIRST experience doesn’t end after high school. Alumni can access exclusive scholarships, internships, and job opportunities through the FIRST Alumni Hub, and connect with peers worldwide. Many stay involved by mentoring teams, volunteering at events, and helping grow the next generation of innovators.

Visit our Alumni Hub

Scholarships

Funding Their Future

FIRST participants gain access to hundreds of exclusive scholarship opportunities offered by colleges, universities, and industry partners. Our easy-to-use scholarship portal supports students pursuing any path, whether that’s a technical training, trade school, or a four-year degree.

Browse Scholarships

Get Anywhere with FIRST®