FIRST is a youth robotics program designed to inspire the next generation of leaders in science and technology. They do this through hands-on learning activities and exciting team competitions. Participants tackle real world issues while building teamwork, communication, and problem solving skills.
There are multiple ways for youth of all ages to participate in FIRST competitions.
FIRST LEGO League – STEM related challenges using LEGO brand products
- Discover – Youth aged 4-6 perform hands-on tasks using DUPLO bricks.
- Explore – Youth aged 6-10 learn the basics of engineering, design, and coding using LEGO Education WeDo 2.0 kits.
- Challenge – Youth aged 9-16 use LEGO Mindstorm robots to perform missions that require more advanced engineering and coding skills.
FIRST Tech Challenge – Youth in grades 7-12 work in teams of up to 15 to build and code robots using Java.
FIRST Robotics Competition – With limited time and resources, teams of high school students build industrial sized robots capable of competing on a challenging playing field.
FIRST Grants
FIRST has four grant types available for the 2022-2023 season.
Equity and Access Grant
Due: September 16, 2022 by 6 pm ET
This grant is available to FIRST Robotics Competition teams and US-based FIRST Tech Challenge teams. Between $1,000 and $5,000 is available for teams whose members are female and/or come from underrepresented populations.
American FRC teams can spend their grant funds on whatever they need. They will receive half upon receipt of the grant and the other half will be held until their Impact Report is submitted. FTC and international FRC teams may only spend their funds on registration fees or FTC products. They will receive the full award amount up front.
To be eligible, teams must registered for the 2022-2023 season with two screened mentors. Last year’s recipients may not receive this grant again. Your application must also contain an Equity Action plan which includes goals from the Inspiring Success For All training.
FIRST Robotics Competition New Team Grant
Closes: October 31, 2022 at 11:59 pm ET
Applications for this grant will be accepted through October and awarded on a first come, first served basis. Grantees will receive $4,000 for the 2023 season and $2,000 for 2024 which must be used on registration fees. Eligible teams must either be Rookie Teams or New Teams formed under specified conditions.
Rookie teams can have up to two experienced mentors and up to five youth participants with previous FIRST Robotics Competition experience. New Teams can have more than two experienced mentors and more than five experienced participants as long as they were not formed by a Separation or Combination
.Teams are responsible for raising all additional funds needed and must include a fundraising plan in their application. They must also be registered for the 2023 season before funds can be applied.
FIRST Tech Challenge Rookie Team Grant
Closes: November 22, 2022
This $750, need based grant is only open to rookie teams in North America or on U.S. military bases. Applications will be accepted through November 22nd and awarded until all funds are spent. Grant funds may be used on registration fees and products in the FIRST Tech Challenge Storefront. Teams must be registered for the 2023 season before funds can be applied.
Dow FIRST Grant
Closes: December 2, 2022
Dow will pay half of registration fees for teams that are located in communities with Dow sites or offices and/or have a mentor who is a Dow employee. This grant is available to teams competing in any FIRST competition type, except LEGO League Discover, but they must be affiliated with a school or nonprofit organization. Awards will be made on a first come, first served basis.
Teams may earn additional funding by
- Developing a plan to increase the Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity of their team. (15%)
- Describing one or may ways they are engaged with their community. (15%)
- Coming from a low-income community. (20%)
Teams must be registered for the 2022-2023 season before funds can be applied.