The Reimagined FIRST LEGO League
The next generation of FIRST LEGO League creates an evolved experience leveraging LEGO® Education Computer Science & AI kits, which consist of teacher support materials, bricks, hardware and code, designed for bringing computer science into the daily lives of students.
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Grades
Ages
4 - 16
K - 10
FIRST® LEGO® League introduces STEM to children through fun, exciting hands-on learning. Participants gain real-world problem-solving experiences through a guided, global robotics program using LEGO® technology, helping today’s students and teachers build a better future together. FIRST LEGO League’s three divisions inspire youth to experiment and grow their critical thinking, coding, and design skills and showcase what they learned.
Grades
Ages
7 -12
12 - 18
FIRST® Tech Challenge students work together with their mentors to design and build robots to compete in a dynamic and exciting challenge released every September. Teams program classroom-scale robots to follow autonomous commands before student drivers take control in two-on-two matches. On and off the field, students develop STEM skills, engage in community outreach, practice engineering innovation, and build confidence to help them succeed.
Grades
Ages
14 - 18
9 - 12
Each January brings a new challenge for FIRST® Robotics Competition teams. Starting with a Kit of Parts, they design, program, and build industrial-sized robots to play an action-packed game on a themed field as part of a three-team alliance. Guided by mentors and sponsors, students learn engineering and problem-solving skills as they compete for awards, create a team identity, raise funds, hone teamwork skills, and advance appreciation for STEM in their community.
About FIRST
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a global non-profit organisation that empowers young people to shape their futures through youth robotics programs that build skills, confidence, and resilience.
Through hands-on robotics challenges, students develop skills in engineering, coding, problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership—all while fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
In partnership with Macquarie University’s Faculty of Science and Engineering, FIRST Australia connects young people with educators, mentors, and industry professionals to inspire and prepare the next generation of problem-solvers and change-makers.
Our Core Values
The FIRST Core Values are fundamental to FIRST and unique to its programs. They emphasise friendly sportsmanship, respect for the contributions of others, teamwork, learning, and community involvement and are part of our commitment to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of unity.
Discovery
We explore new skills and ideas
Inclusion
We respect each other and embrace our differences
Innovation
We use creativity and persistence to solve problems
Teamwork
We are stronger when we work together
Impact
We apply want we learn to improve our world.
Fun
We enjoy and celebrate what we do!
Purpose, Vision and Mission
Our organisational statements are more than words on a page; they encapsulate our promise to build a thriving global robotics community and to remain at the very forefront of STEM education.
Purpose
FIRST exists to prepare the young people of today for the world of tomorrow.
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Vision
To transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated and where young people dream of becoming science and technology leaders.
Mission
The mission of FIRST is to provide life-changing robotics programs that give young people the skills, confidence, and resilience to build a better world.
Our Impact
As we work as a community to prepare young people for a STEM future, FIRST aims to ensure its programs are having a lasting, positive impact on participants across all demographic groups.
Participants are 2.2× more likely than peers to show increased interest in STEM at 9-year follow-up (108 months).
Over 90% of participants report gains in problem-solving, time management, and conflict resolution.
59% of alumni choose engineering or computer science majors, compared to 24% of peers.
Among alumni not in STEM jobs, 81% still plan to use STEM skills in their future careers, vs. 62% of peers.
Pathways to Macquarie University
Macquarie University recognises the skills, creativity, and teamwork developed through FIRST programs by offering dedicated university pathways for FIRST participants. These pathways support students transitioning from FIRST into undergraduate study within the Faculty of Science and Engineering, helping them turn their passion for STEM into meaningful study and career opportunities.
