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COMING SOON

FIRST® K-8 Programs: 2027 and Beyond

FIRST® is actively developing our next generation of K-8 (kindergarten through eighth grade) program experiences, gearing up for a groundbreaking launch in 2027. These new, innovative program offerings are being designed to build upon everything FIRST values while also exploring new ways to bolster creativity, encourage collaboration, and bring real-world STEM learning to life.
Be Part of What’s Next Frequently Asked Questions
FIRST team poses for a photo behind a 3-D FIRST logo sign at FIRST Championship

About FIRST K-8 Programs: 2027 and Beyond

As we develop exciting new offerings, we want to tell you what you can expect from the next generation of K-8 FIRST programs. 

Launching our next generation of FIRST K-8 program offerings will include introducing new program names, experiences, and supporting technologies. More details will be made available ahead of the 2027-2028 season.

Following the conclusion of the FIRST® LEGO® League program in 2027, FIRST plans to maintain compatibility with LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Sets (Prime and Essential)* through the 2028-2029 season, providing important continuity as we launch the next generation of our K-8 offerings.

*The next generation of K-8 FIRST programs are not sponsored, endorsed, or otherwise affiliated with LEGO® Education or the LEGO® Group.

Get Ready for Launch

Sign up to stay informed on next generation FIRST K-8 program offerings.
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Sparking and Nurturing STEM Confidence

At FIRST, we inspire young people to explore STEM by igniting curiosity early. Our next generation of K–8 programs will evolve how we engage young students, while staying true to what makes FIRST offerings the most robust, well-rounded robotics and STEM experiences for youth. For our participants, that initial spark becomes a lifetime of impact.

Operating as a youth-serving, not-for-profit organization for more than 30 years, FIRST has built a formula that we know works to inspire young people’s interest and engagement in STEM. Across our programs, we feature these strategies:
See the FIRST Impact
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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.

Be Part of What's Next

Sign up to receive the latest updates about the exciting evolution of FIRST K-8 program offerings and how to get involved.
Updated May 27, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Press the question (+) below to expand the box and view the answer. The information below will be updated as more becomes available to share with you.
Will there be a new program and technology platform in the future to take the place of FIRST® LEGO® League?

FIRST® is actively developing our own K-8 (kindergarten through eighth grade) offerings for 2027 and beyond. Part of this effort includes introducing new program names, experiences, and supporting technologies.

Following the conclusion of the FIRST® LEGO® League program in 2027, FIRST plans to maintain compatibility with LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Sets (Prime and Essential) through the 2028-2029 season*, providing important continuity as we launch the next generation of our K-8 offerings.

More details will be made available ahead of the 2027-2028 season. Learn more and sign up so you can stay up to date on FIRST K-8 program offerings.

*The next generation of K-8 FIRST programs are not sponsored, endorsed, or otherwise affiliated with LEGO® Education or the LEGO® Group.

What hardware will teams be able to use in FIRST® K-8 programs after the 2026-2027 FIRST® LEGO® League season?

FIRST® is actively developing our own K-8 program offerings for 2027 and beyond. Following the conclusion of the FIRST® LEGO® League program in 2027, FIRST plans to maintain compatibility with LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Sets (Prime and Essential) through the 2028-2029 season*, providing important continuity as we launch the next generation of our K-8 offerings.

More details on what other hardware will be supported will be made available ahead of the 2027-2028 season. Sign up so you can stay up to date on FIRST K-8 program offerings.

*The next generation of K-8 FIRST programs are not sponsored, endorsed, or otherwise affiliated with LEGO® Education or the LEGO® Group.

I purchased LEGO® Education SPIKE™ sets for use with FIRST® LEGO® League Explore and Challenge. How can I use the technology with FIRST programs going forward?

LEGO® Education SPIKE™ sets (Essential and Prime) can be used for the 2026-2027 season FIRST® LEGO® League Founders Edition offerings, after which the FIRST LEGO League program will conclude.

Under new program offerings beginning in 2027, FIRST® plans to maintain compatibility with LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Sets (Essential and Prime) through the 2028-2029 season*. More details will be made available ahead of the 2027-2028 season.

SPIKE products retire June 30, 2026. For more information visit the LEGO Education website.

*The next generation of K-8 FIRST programs are not sponsored, endorsed, or otherwise affiliated with LEGO® Education or the LEGO® Group.

I have a question about the final 2026-2027 season of FIRST® LEGO® League. Where can I find more information?

FIRST® will move forward with the 2026–2027 FIRST® LEGO® League season as planned and remains dedicated to delivering a high-quality, engaging experience throughout.

Additional information and FAQs concerning the final season of FIRST LEGO League can be found on our FIRST LEGO League page and in the FIRST Help Center.

When will you share more information?

More details will be made available ahead of the 2027-2028 season. We will add information to this page and share out with our email list as it becomes available.

Sign up for email updates to stay informed!