How to Start a Robotics Team with FIRST – Ten Tips and Tricks

Now is the perfect time to introduce your student(s) to the exciting world of STEM and robotics – with FIRST^®.  

Do you want to start a robotics team with FIRST? There are countless benefits for students when you give them the opportunity to explore STEM subjects in a hands-on learning environment. FIRST alumni have found amazing careers by using the STEM skills they learned through their participation. From engineers, to teachers, to being on American Ninja Warrior, FIRST can help students #GetAnywhere . 

Our new season, FIRST^® AGE™ presented by Qualcomm recently kicked off, but you can still get started today! Let’s unearth what’s next... here are our* top ten tips to start a robotics team – with FIRST! 

*Thank you to our veteran FIRST teams and alumni for sharing advice! Check out their suggestions throughout. 

Can you dig it? 

1. Choose Your Program

FIRST programs spark creativity, promote teamwork, and develop students’ confidence and STEM skills. To begin, decide which FIRST program you would like to participate in!

• FIRST^® LEGO^® League | Ages 5-16 

• • FIRST LEGO League introduces STEM to children ages 5-16 (varies by region) through fun, exciting hands-on learning. Materials help guide coaches, educators, and students through a series of sessions centered around a yearly theme. 
    

• FIRST^® Tech Challenge | Ages 12-18 

• • Students work together with their mentors to design and build dynamic robots to compete in an exciting game released every September. On and off the field, students develop STEM skills, engage in community outreach, practice engineering innovation, and build confidence to help them succeed. 

• FIRST^® Robotics Competition | Ages 14-18 

• • Starting with a Kit of Parts, teams of high school students design, program, and build industrial-sized robots to play an action-packed game, released in January. They compete on a themed field as part of a three-team alliance in the spirit of Coopertition^®.
     

2. Assemble Your Dream Team 

Find a group of students who are excited about exploring STEM through hands-on learning – no previous experience required! Students are able to take on more than one role within a team, however, be sure to divide and conquer for the best results. 

“Kindness comes with FIRST!” FIRST Tech Challenge Team19139, SnakeTech  

3. Register and Prepare 

Begin your season and practice building your robot. Register your team in the FIRST Dashboard and order any needed robotics kit or materials for your program of choice. Review the program materials and resources and connect with teams in your area. Be sure to follow us on social, subscribe to our newsletter, and make sure your lead mentor is receiving team blasts to stay up-to-date throughout the season. 

4. Fundraise and Talk to Local Businesses 

Just like any sports team, you and your teammates will work to fundraise and find sponsors to help financially support your team throughout the season. Fundraising can be anything! Bake sales, car washes, IT support – anything you can think of. Work together to highlight local businesses to conduct outreach with. Let them know what you do, why you do it, and how it can help bring STEM skills back to the local community. You never know where you might find enthusiastic support! 

5. Dive into the Community 

FIRST, like any community, has lots of shared jokes (#watergame), fun traditions, and unique events. After you start a FIRST team, bring buttons or badge banners to events to swap with other teams (and collect hundreds of your own)! If you see another robotics kid in the wild, ask them if they ever think Water Game* will happen. One of the best ways to become acquainted with the traditions of FIRST is by finding an established team near you that can help show you the ropes. 

*Water Game is a shared joke referring to the community’s desire to have real robots submerged in water. Next time you’re on our Instagram, check the comments... you’re bound to see one or two FIRST fans asking about a Water Game! We came pretty close to making their dreams come true during the 2025 FIRST^® DIVE^SM presented by Qualcomm season! 😉 

6. Start a Team Social Media Account 

One of the best ways to connect with other teams and learn more about the community is by starting a team social media account. This will also provide you a place to document and share your FIRST journey with potential sponsors, future teammates, other teams in your area, and of course – your many fans and supporters! Don’t forget to follow FIRST official platforms and tag us in your posts! We might just follow you back and highlight your content. Here’s where you can find us: 

• FIRST Instagram 

• FIRST Facebook 

• FIRST LinkedIn 
• FIRST Community Blog 
  

7. Focus on Learning and Having Fun! 

When it comes to FIRST, the learning opportunities and chances to have fun are endless. Often, they go hand in hand! As you begin your journey with FIRST, don’t forget to focus on what really matters. Not winning or losing, but rather growing your STEM skills in real-world applications, and having fun while doing it. 

“Learn Gracious Professionalism^®. But most importantly, have fun! Do research!” FIRST Tech Challenge Team 19400, The Titans 

8. Document Everything 

“Document EVERYTHING. Start from day one. You’ll forget later!” FIRST Tech Challenge Team 20870, Matrix  

Remember that documentation is part of the journey! It’s important to have records to look back on so you can see how your STEM skills have grown. Assign 1-3 students and a mentor/coach to record your team’s progress through the season. Success feels that much better when you have things to look back on and learn from. 

9. Make Friends and Practice Gracious Professionalism 

 Gracious Professionalism will be a core part of everything you do! This FIRST ethos was coined by Dr. Woodie Flowers (1943 - 2019), Executive Advisory Board Chair Emeritus & Distinguished Advisor. This value reminds us to work hard, respect others, and be good sports. 

Other rookie teams and established teams alike are great to have in your corner. Making friends is part of the FIRST experience! Reach out to other local teams and offer to lend a hand. You never know how they can help you, or how you can help them! 

10. Lock in and Get Started! 

So. What are you waiting for?! Lock in! Pick your program, form your team, register for the season, and BUILD THAT ROBOT! You’re in for the adventure of a lifetime. Get started! 

Connect with FIRST Business Development Managers or find your local Program Delivery Partner to discuss next steps to bring hands-on STEM to students in your community.