Hi ,

Coming to you from FIRST^® HQ in Manchester, NH, USA.

WHAT'S NEW

Future Edition (Grades K-2) Season Kickoff: The BIOGLOW™ Future Edition (K-2) season materials are now available! During the 2026-2027 biodiversity-inspired robotics season FIRST^® CANOPY™, students will use their STEM skills and collaboration to engineer a thriving planet together. The FIRST^® LEGO^® League BIOGLOW season will be an expedition of growth and innovation. Access the season materials here.

Walk Like Woodie Day: In recognition of Dr. Woodie Flowers, Co-Chair of the FIRST Executive Advisory Board until his passing in 2019, and the enduring ethos of Gracious Professionalism^®, we invite the entire FIRST community to join us for Walk Like Woodie Day on October 9.

Let’s shine a spotlight on the many ways the FIRST community brings Gracious Professionalism to life by sharing the ways we practice it in our everyday lives, teams, communities, and careers. Together, we can show how this ethos continues to shape the way we learn, lead, and lift one another up.

Save the date and join the conversation: Share your photos, stories, and examples of Gracious Professionalism on social media using #WalkLikeWoodie.

Embark on a Kahoot! Adventure: Grow your skills with our biodiversity-themed Kahoot course and test your knowledge on the BIOGLOW season.

REMINDERS

Nominations for the 2027 Inspire the Future: FIRST^® Recognition Program are now open! Learn more about the program and how you can nominate an educator or school that has made a positive impact on your community. Learn more and submit a nomination.

Grow your knowledge with FIRST^® Trainings: Accessible from your FIRST Dashboard, FIRST Training has many cross-program and program-specific trainings available for you to get ready to lead your team this season including:

🌱Mentor Ready Training path: This introductory training path consists of four trainings to equip mentors with the tools and resources to confidently lead and inspire their teams. This training path will automatically show up as a required role-specific training in your dashboard for easy access and is highly encouraged for all coaches and mentors.

🌱Role of a Lead Coach Training: This cross-program training is available to help equip current and future volunteers to be a Lead Coach in a FIRST program.

🌱Mentor Fundamentals training path: This new training path equips current and prospective mentors with essential skills to navigate challenges effectively, foster positive team environments, and support and inspire youth.

🌱FIRST Mentors: Building Inspiration Training: This new training is designed to equip FIRST mentors with the resources and skills needed to inspire, empower, and support youth in meaningful ways. Through a focus on intentional community-building, mentors will learn how to create a fun team environment where every student feels valued, motivated, and capable of achieving great things.

FIRST Certified Professional Development: Kick off the school year by stepping into your students’ world and learning how to guide them through hands-on, discovery-driven activities. Join us for remote sessions designed to build confidence, spark engagement, and bring fresh energy to your program. Learn more. Contact the FIRST Professional Services team if you have questions about upcoming sessions or registration.

CELEBRATION AND SHOUTOUTS

What are you most excited about for the #BIOGLOW season?

Let us know on social media and be sure to tag us!