Global robotics competition and more.
Founded in 1989 and based in Manchester, NH, FIRST is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity designed to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology, and to motivate them to pursue education and career opportunities in STEM fields.
Global Reach*
- 570,000+ students
- 67,000+ teams
- 45,000+ robots created
- 300,000+ mentor, coach, judge, and volunteer roles
*for the 2018-2019 season
2019 FIRST Robotics Competition
- 3,802 teams
- 95,000+ participants (Ages 14-18; Grades 9-12)
- Representing 35 countries
2018-2019 FIRST Tech Challenge
- 6,818 teams
- 68,000+ participants (Ages 12-18; Grades 7-12)
- Representing 37 countries
2018-2019 FIRST LEGO League
- 35,140 teams
- 281,000+ participants (Ages 9-16†; Grades 4-8)
- Representing 103 countries
†Ages vary by country
2018-2019 FIRST LEGO League Jr.
- 21,718 teams
- 130,000+ participants (Grades K-4)
- Representing 74 countries
2019 FIRST Scholarship Program
- Over $80 million in college, university, and technical program scholarships
- 3,500+ individual scholarship opportunities
- Nearly 200 scholarship providers
2019 FIRST Volunteers & Sponsors
- 300,000+ volunteer roles filled
- FIRST sponsors include more than 200 of the Fortune 500 companies