This Saturday, join the FIRST^® community as we kick off new challenges and celebrate the 2021 season of FIRST^® Robotics Competition, part of the FIRST^® GAME CHANGERS^SM powered by Star Wars: Force for Change season. Tune in January 9 at 12 p.m. ET on FIRSTtv on Twitch as Dean Kamen, Larry Cohen, FIRST alumni, and other special guests help us reveal the FIRST^® Innovation Challenge presented by Qualcomm to FIRST Robotics Competition and FIRST^® Tech Challenge teams, as well as the FIRST Robotics Competition Game Design Challenge and INFINITE RECHARGE^SM at Home details. Sign up now to receive a tune-in reminder before the Kickoff Celebration Broadcast, officially sponsored by the United States Air Force.

As many parents continue to guide their children through learning primarily at home, FIRST Education Director Libby Simpson shared guidance on the Inspire blog from a recent virtual session for parents hosted by FIRST Strategic Partner Rockwell Automation about creating an environment and mindset for STEM learning.

More than ever, teachers need our help as they face challenging learning environments in the classroom. To help deliver tools and resources for FIRST^® LEGO^® League teachers, we’re collaborating with Disney to support educators through DonorsChoose, providing opportunities for youth to access these life-changing robotics programs through both in-person and remote classroom environments. Learn more about this opportunity, eligibility, and how to post or fund a project today.

Celebrate the New Year and FIRST Robotics Competition Kickoff with new gear, including FIRST GAME CHANGERS powered by Star Wars: Force for Change apparel and 50% off all INFINITE RECHARGE merch. Browse the FIRST store now!

Hosted by FIRST and joined by FIRST founder Dean Kamen, Judge Steven McAuliffe, and members of the United States Congress, we recognized the accomplishments and impact of Christa McAuliffe and officially unveiled the Christa McAuliffe Commemorative Coin last month. Christa, a New Hampshire social studies teacher, was selected to be the first participant in NASA’s Teacher in Space program. She and six others were tragically killed during the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster on January 28, 1986. Watch the unveiling broadcast.

FIRST Robotics Competition and FIRST Tech Challenge participants are eligible to apply for over 2,500 FIRST Scholarship opportunities for post-secondary education that are made available by 200+ FIRST Scholarship Providers in the FIRST Scholarship Program portal. Plus, students and alumni can explore other opportunities to leverage their FIRST experience in the FIRST Alumni Handbook.