First Step is sponsored by Alabama Housing Finance Authority (AHFA). The First Step program offers first-time or repeat homebuyers below-market interest rates and up to $10,000 in down payment assistance. It features fixed-rate, 30-year mortgages (FHA, VA, USDA, and Freddie Mac's HFA Advantage).

FIRST | For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology FIRST is the world’s leading youth robotics community, delivering hands-on STEM learning that inspires innovation, builds confidence, and prepares kids for life. Across the globe, students thrive in our programs — powered by mentorship, teamwork, creativity, and engineering challenges.

Find a Team or Event Near You Explore Robotics Programs for Every Age FIRST ® robotics programs deliver hands-on STEM education to schools, afterschool programs, and community learning spaces. Each program offers fun, age-appropriate challenges tied to a yearly theme to help build STEM interest and adaptable skills, preparing students for STEM careers and leadership in a tech-driven world.

Children can join any of our three programs based on age or grade level. Ages may vary by region. Spark Early STEM Curiosity FIRST ® LEGO ® League guides elementary and middle school students through STEM learning and exploration at an early age.

Through age-appropriate divisions, students will understand STEM basics and apply their skills in an exciting competition while building learning, confidence, and teamwork skills along the way. Turn Ideas Into Innovation FIRST ® Tech Challenge engages middle and high school students in robot design, coding, and competition.

It is a powerful platform for developing real-world STEM skills, building confidence, and connecting students to mentorships and career exploration opportunities. FIRST ® Robotics Competition Engineer the Future of STEM FIRST ® Robotics Competition empowers high school students to engineer industrial-sized robots for large-scale competition.

Students work side-by-side with mentors, gaining technical, teamwork, and leadership experience that supports future workforce readiness and careers in STEM fields. Spark Early STEM Curiosity FIRST ® LEGO ® League guides elementary and middle school students through STEM learning and exploration at an early age.

Through age-appropriate divisions, students will understand STEM basics and apply their skills in an exciting competition while building learning, confidence, and teamwork skills along the way. Turn Ideas Into Innovation FIRST ® Tech Challenge engages middle and high school students in robot design, coding, and competition.

It is a powerful platform for developing real-world STEM skills, building confidence, and connecting students to mentorships and career exploration opportunities. Engineer the Future of STEM FIRST ® Robotics Competition empowers high school students to engineer industrial-sized robots for large-scale competition.

Students work side-by-side with mentors, gaining technical, teamwork, and leadership experience that supports future workforce readiness and careers in STEM fields. The Lasting Impact of Hands-On STEM Operating as a not-for-profit organization for more than three decades, FIRST offers a suite of life-changing youth robotics programs that build skills, confidence, and resilience.

Our hands-on robotics challenges — from elementary school through high school — equip students with critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world engineering skills that shape their futures.

youth participants since 1989 countries have a FIRST presence of FIRST alumni pursue STEM majors by year four of college of FIRST students overcome challenges through program participation FIRST robotics programs are more than STEM afterschool programs — and they are way More Than Robots ® . FIRST ignites confidence, curiosity, and long-term success. See how hands-on learning today builds tomorrow’s leaders.

Through real-world robotics challenges, students apply science, technology, engineering, and math. They build problem-solving skills and resilience as part of a collaborative team. FIRST introduces students to mentors and STEM professionals — helping them explore and see themselves in careers in engineering, coding, and innovation while building critical life skills.

Every FIRST robotics team is part of a global network of young innovators. With a culture of Coopertition ® , students support each other as they fiercely compete and grow as individuals. Studies show FIRST alumni are more likely to pursue STEM majors while they build important workplace skills, such as communications and problem solving.

Our impact is measurable and lasting. FIRST believes STEM is for everyone: it builds confidence and opens doors. We designed our robotics program to be welcoming, inspiring, and empowering across all ages and learning needs.

Dedicated mentors and coaches help students learn, lead, and thrive. Their support brings FIRST robotics programs to life and has a lifelong impact on every participant. 2026-2027 ROBOTICS SEASON Inspired by nature.

Powered by innovation. Nothing on Earth thrives alone. With STEM as their tool and nature as their inspiration, today's boldest innovators are finding new ways to strengthen the connections that protect our shared home.

Welcome to our biodiversity-themed robotics season, Learn More & Get Involved Be Part of What’s Next for FIRST K-8 Programs FIRST is developing the next generation of K-8 programs, launching in 2027. These new offerings will build upon everything FIRST values while introducing new ways to engage our youngest students in hands-on, real-world STEM learning.

Learn More & Get Involved Get Inspired with News & Updates from FIRST Check out a recent newsletter Voices of the FIRST Community When I saw how my friends were getting involved with FIRST , I got really interested. Everyone's willing to be kind to each other, willing to help you out. I said, "I want to be one of them."

Above all, I think FIRST allows you to be yourself. It encourages positive growth and helps you get to that next step you want to achieve in life. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I'd be working at Nike World Headquarters.

[Being on a FIRST team has] taught me critical thinking, how to take criticism, and how to be open to new ideas FIRST Participant, Team Belize Volunteering at FIRST is exciting and exhilarating and a way to give back to my community in a way that makes me feel full. FIRST Mentor & Volunteer for 13 Years When you volunteer, you walk into an event and its another family that's there.

Even if it's your first event, you'll quickly become part of that family. These are the people that are my friends now. FIRST Volunteer for 14 Years A Global Network, United by STEM Every student, parent, volunteer, educator, and supporter is part of something bigger at FIRST .

Explore how our global community fuels innovation, collaboration, and impact. FIRST volunteers make STEM come to life — from setting up events to cheering on teams. No experience is required, just a passion for helping students succeed.

Support events in your local area Inspire students through hands-on support Volunteer roles for every interest and schedule Mentors and coaches help students build technical skills and resiliency — shaping their confidence, leadership, and love for learning.

Help students design, code, and collaborate Lead with empathy and expertise No STEM background required to make an impact Parents empower FIRST teams by offering encouragement, pitching in at events, or even starting teams. Their involvement makes all the difference.

Volunteer or start a team in your community How to Register Your Youth From individual donors to global sponsors, our supporters fund access to high-quality STEM programs that change lives and futures.

Fund robotics teams or events Provide in-kind donations or mentorship Align your brand with innovation and inclusion Educators bring FIRST into schools and classrooms — blending STEM education with teamwork, creativity, and real-world application.

Classroom-ready implementation options Support for afterschool STEM programs Professional development and peer collaboration Bring FIRST to Your School FIRST alumni carry their STEM skills into college, careers, and communities, often returning as mentors, donors, and advocates.

Join the global alumni network Share your story and inspire others Discover new ways to stay involved FIRST volunteers make STEM come to life — from setting up events to cheering on teams. No experience is required, just a passion for helping students succeed.

Support events in your local area Inspire students through hands-on support Volunteer roles for every interest and schedule Mentors and coaches help students build technical skills and resiliency — shaping their confidence, leadership, and love for learning.

Help students design, code, and collaborate Lead with empathy and expertise No STEM background required to make an impact Parents empower FIRST teams by offering encouragement, pitching in at events, or even starting teams. Their involvement makes all the difference.

Volunteer or start a team in your community How to Register Your Youth From individual donors to global sponsors, our supporters fund access to high-quality STEM programs that change lives and futures.

Fund robotics teams or events Provide in-kind donations or mentorship Align your brand with innovation and inclusion Educators bring FIRST into schools and classrooms — blending STEM education with teamwork, creativity, and real-world application.

Classroom-ready implementation options Support for afterschool STEM programs Professional development and peer collaboration Bring FIRST to Your School FIRST alumni carry their STEM skills into college, careers, and communities, often returning as mentors, donors, and advocates.

Join the global alumni network Share your story and inspire others Discover new ways to stay involved Where STEM Learning Comes Alive From local showcases to world-stage championships, FIRST events turn STEM activities into high-energy robotics competitions. Students celebrate their hard work, have fun, form connections, and boost problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration skills in real time.

Creating Safe Spaces for STEM Learning FIRST is dedicated to creating safe, welcoming, and inspiring spaces where all students can thrive. Our Youth Protection Program equips mentors, coaches, event volunteers, and other supporters to deliver robotics programs with care, accountability, and respect for every student.

Voices From the Robotics Community FIRST and Qualcomm Celebrate 20 Years of Partnership 6 Ways You Can Celebrate FIRST Signing Day on May 19 More Than Robots: How FIRST Builds Confidence, Community, and STEM Skills Supported by FIRST Strategic Partners Leading companies across global industries trust FIRST .

Our sponsors recognize the critical role of FIRST robotics programs in building interest in STEM and fortifying their talent pipelines with FIRST alumni equipped with adaptable skills. Strategic Partners significantly invest in FIRST to help expand our reach and overall impact. Find the Right Robotics Program FIRST offers hands-on STEM afterschool programs for students of all ages and experience levels.

If you’re looking to find a team or launch a new one, we can help you find the best fit for your school, community, or family.