Program Description

FIRST programs provide an opportunity for kids throughout Socorro & Catron counties and the Alamo Navajo reservation to get hands on experience working with robotics. Different programs for different levels are available including Lego League, Tech Challenge, and Robotics Challenge.

First LEGO League

FIRST LEGO league Jr. captures the curiosity of K-4 grade by working with motorized LEGO elements to explore real-world scientific challenges while learning to work with a team. Teams are made up of (up to) 6 kids and, during the season, the students are provided with guidance and inspiration from adult coaches.

LEGO League for 4-8 graders have teams up to 10 members to apply science, engineering, and math concepts to develop solutions to real-world challenges. They design, build, and program LEGO MINDSTORMS-based robots to perform missions on a playing field. 

First Tech Challenge

FIRST Tech Challenge is for middle and high school aged students (7-12 graders) with teams composed of 10+ team members. The goal is to design, build, program, and operate robots of their own design to play a floor game against other teams' creations. Students develop STEM skills and practice engineering principles while also guided by adult coaches and mentors to realizd the value of innovation, sharing ideas, and working together as a team. 

First Robotics Challenge

The Robotics competition is for high school aged teams (9-12 graders) to compete on a playing field with robots they have designed, built, and programmed. This competition uses limited resources under strict rules and the guidance of volunteer mentors that include engineers, teachers, parents, and alumni. Teams composed of 25+ students who must also raise funds, design a team "brand" and perform community outreach. Through this program, high school students learn valuable STEM and life skills.

More Information

For more information about FIRST and FIRST's program, please visit the following website:

www.firstinspires.org