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About FIRST®

FIRST® Robotics refers to programs by the nonprofit organization For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST®) that introduce students to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) through robotics challenges and competitions. Founded by Dean Kamen, FIRST® aims to inspire young people to become science and technology leaders by offering mentor-based programs that build technical, teamwork, and leadership skills through engaging, hands-on experiences.  

Programs

FIRST Explore Horizontal Stack Clean.
FIRST FLL Explore Vertical Stack
FIRST FLL Challenge Vertical Stack.
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FIRST FRC Horizontal Stack Clean.

FIRST® Lego® League Discover: 

For Pre-K to 1st grade students to spark early interest in STEM. 

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FIRST® Lego® League Explore: 

For 2nd to 4th grade students to program and attend an exhibition. 

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FIRST® Lego® League Challenge:

For 4th to 8th grade students to build and compete as a team.

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FIRST® Tech® Challenge:

For 7th to 12th grade students to build an 18” by 18” by 18”competition  robot from scratch.

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FIRST® Robotics® Challenge:

For 9th to12th grade students to build a competition robot from scratch no more than 4 foot tall.

2025-26 Decode

In FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC), teams are challenged to design, build, program, and operate a robot to compete against others in an alliance-format game. 

 

For this year's Decode game, robots can be 18”x18”x18" max and compete on a 12’ by 12’ playing field. They complete tasks to earn points, both autonomously and while being driver-controlled. This year, teams earn points by shooting "artifacts" into a goal, winning more points for having a correct pattern.

 

From November-February, teams compete in meets and qualifying matches, with a state championship in March. The top teams will advance to the World Championship in Houston in April.

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