FIRST® is widely recognised as the world’s leading youth robotics community, empowering students through project-based, mentor-guided STEM programs. The organisation operates a progression of four programs—FIRST LEGO League Discover, Explore, Challenge; FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC); and FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC)—allowing students of all ages to grow their technical and leadership abilities year after year.

A cornerstone of FIRST is its unique culture built on Gracious Professionalism® and Coopertition®, which encourages students to compete fiercely while treating all participants with respect, empathy, and fairness. Through these values, FIRST nurtures not only strong engineers but strong human beings.

FIRST teams learn real-world skills such as mechanical design, coding, CAD, electronics, strategic thinking, public speaking, outreach, fundraising, and project management. Students also collaborate with mentors from industry and academia, gaining early exposure to engineering practices and career pathways.

With global partners and events across 100+ countries, FIRST provides students with opportunities to participate in regional qualifiers, championships, and international tournaments, fostering diversity, cultural exchange, and global problem-solving. Many FIRST alumni go on to top universities and STEM careers, and the program offers millions of dollars in college scholarships annually.