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FIRST® Championship (FIRST®)

A student FIRST participant makes adjustments to a robot at the FIRST Championship.

FIRST® Championship is a culminating, international event for the robotics competition season and an annual celebration of STEM as FIRST® prepares young people for the future.

    Logic Model

    Program Activities

    Students (Grade K-Postsecondary)

    Use gracious professionalism and cooperation during competition against other teams​ 

    Collaborate with team members in competition preparation (e.g., team set-up, practice, marketing)​ 

    Participate in closing celebrations​

    Program Near-Term Outcomes

    Students (Grade K-Postsecondary)

    Increase their skills for productive teamwork (e.g., collaboration, communication, time management)​ 

    Improve their ability to work as a gracious professional in competition​ 

    Engage in positive interaction with other teams in competition (cooperation)

    DSEC Near-Term Outcomes

    Students (Grade K-Postsecondary)

    Increased student engagement and interest in STEM (formal and informal)​ 

    Increased participant STEM competencies (skills, knowledge, abilities, and confidence)​ 

    Increased participant awareness of, and interest in, STEM research and careers

    Participant Perspectives

    Participant perspectives reflect survey responses from 2025-2026, the first year of survey administration.

    Of 23,582 student participants, 352 responded to the survey.

    Students

    Grades 6-16

    • Disagree
    • Slightly Agree
    • Moderately Agree
    • Strongly Agree
    At the FIRST Championship I worked well with my team by listening to others’ ideas.
    n = 6 valid responses
    At the FIRST Championship I shared my ideas clearly and kindly with my teammates.
    n = 6 valid responses
    At the FIRST Championship I helped my team stay on task and finish our work on time.
    n = 6 valid responses
    At the FIRST Championship I was friendly and encouraging when I talked to other teams.
    n = 6 valid responses
    When we compete, I am respectful and kind even if we do not win.
    n = 6 valid responses
    At the FIRST Championship I collaborated effectively with my teammates by listening to different perspectives and contributing my ideas.
    n = 352 valid responses
    At the FIRST Championship I communicated clearly and respectfully with my team to help us work towards shared goals.
    n = 351 valid responses
    At the FIRST Championship I managed my time and responsibilities in ways that helped my team stay on schedule.
    n = 351 valid responses
    At the FIRST Championship I engaged positively with members of other teams by being supportive, cooperative, and courteous.
    n = 352 valid responses
    During competition, I treated my teammates, opponents, and adults with respect, regardless of outcome.
    n = 351 valid responses
    At the FIRST Championship I collaborated effectively with my teammates by listening to different perspectives and contributing my ideas.
    n = 24 valid responses
    At the FIRST Championship I communicated clearly and respectfully with my team to help us work towards shared goals.
    n = 23 valid responses
    At the FIRST Championship I managed my time and responsibilities in ways that helped my team stay on schedule.
    n = 24 valid responses
    At the FIRST Championship I engaged positively with members of other teams by being supportive, cooperative, and courteous.
    n = 24 valid responses
    During competition, I treated my teammates, opponents, and adults with respect, regardless of outcome. 
    n = 24 valid responses
    At the FIRST Championship I collaborated effectively with my teammates by listening to different perspectives and contributing my ideas.
    n = 6 valid responses
    At the FIRST Championship I communicated clearly and respectfully with my team to help us work towards shared goals.
    n = 6 valid responses
    At the FIRST Championship I managed my time and responsibilities in ways that helped my team stay on schedule.
    n = 6 valid responses
    At the FIRST Championship I engaged positively with members of other teams by being supportive, cooperative, and courteous.
    n = 6 valid responses
    During competition, I treated my teammates, opponents, and adults with respect, regardless of outcome.
    n = 6 valid responses
    Program Data

    Program data includes participants from both years of Base Period (2024-2025 and 2025-2026). 

    Students

    23,582 total student participants

    Student Grade Level

    • Elementary: 842 students (3.6%)
    • Middle: 3,586 students (15.2%)
    • High: 19,154 students (81.2%)

    Military-Connected Students

    Category Count %
    Not Military-connected Student 23,582 100%
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