For 30 years, FIRST has combined the rigor of STEM learning with the fun and excitement of traditional sports and the inspiration that comes from community through programs that have a proven impact on learning, interest, and skill-building inside and outside of the classroom.

2019-2020 Season in Numbers

All numbers are for the 2019-2020 FIRST^® RISE^SM, powered by Star Wars: Force for Change, season. 

Global Reach  

• 679,000+ students
• 320,000+ mentor, coach, judge, and volunteer roles filled

2020 FIRST^® Robotics Competition: Grades 9-12 (ages 14-18) 

• 97,850 students
• 3,914 individual teams

2019-2020 FIRST^® Tech Challenge: Grades 7-12 (ages 12-18) 

• 77,000+ students
• 7,610 individual teams; 61 Class Packs

2019-2020 FIRST^® LEGO^® League Challenge: Grades 4-8 (ages 9-16; age varies by country) 

• 318,000+ students
• 38,609 individual teams; 404 Class Packs

2019-2020 FIRST^® LEGO^® League Explore: Grades 2-4 (ages 6-10) 

• 163,000+ children
• 21,703 individual teams; 337 Class Packs; 236 School Packs

2019-2020 FIRST^® LEGO^® League Explore & Discover: Grades PreK-1 (ages 4-6) 

• 21,600+ children
• 4,562 Class Packs

2020 FIRST Scholarship Program

• Over $80 million in college, university, and technical program scholarships
• 3,000 individual scholarship opportunities
• 200+ scholarship providers 

2020 FIRST Volunteers & Sponsors

• 320,000+ volunteer roles filled
• FIRST sponsors include more than 200 of the Fortune 500 companies