Discover FIRST Connects

Igniting STEM Passion in Australian Schools

Founded by a passionate crew of Australian robotics enthusiasts, long-time champions of the

FIRST program, FIRST Connects is a volunteer-driven initiative dedicated to amplifying the

transformative power of robotics education.

We're a diverse band of educators spanning primary classrooms to university lecture halls,

blended with industry pros from robotics and automation sectors. As proud volunteers aligned

with FIRST in the US and FIRST Australia, we've witnessed firsthand how programs like FIRST

LEGO League Challenge, FIRST Tech Challenge, and FIRST Robotics Competition spark

curiosity, build skills, and shape futures.

Our mission? To bridge education and industry, creating vibrant opportunities that propel

students into STEM success.

Our Bold Vision: Empowering Students Through Connections

At its core, FIRST Connects aims to supercharge student involvement in FIRST programs

nationwide. We're laser-focused on sparking more teams in schools and communities, fostering

synergies between industry partners and young innovators.

For students, this means hands-on exposure to real-world robotics, unlocking career pathways

they might never discover otherwise.

For industry, it's a direct line to talented, passionate future employees ready to dive into

robotics and automation. Everything we do orbits around student growth! Boosting skills,

confidence, and connections that last a lifetime.

FIRST Connects Events: Hands-On Thrills at Career Expos

Join the buzz at our dynamic events, partnering with top Career and Employment Expos in

Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, and Sydney. Tailored for school leavers and their guiding

teachers, these expos are your gateway to the excitement of FIRST robotics.

Students dive in as temporary team members, building, coding, and competing in fun

challenges that showcase the joy of robotics. We also roll out special 1- or 2-day incursions

where kids form LEGO League teams, master robot builds and tackle seasonal games.

Teachers, this is your spot to network with FIRST volunteers, demystify program setup, learn

team-starting tips, and how to tap into tailored support resources. It's energetic, engaging, and

designed to ignite your classroom's potential.

FIRST Connects School Incursions: Dive Deep into Robotics

Experience the magic up close with our 2 - 3 day school incursions, crafted to give students a

thrilling taste of FIRST LEGO League Challenge. Guided by seasoned program delivery partners,

some with over 12 years' expertise, kids build and code Spike Prime robots, solve real-world

missions from the latest season (like the current 'SUBMERGED' theme), and embrace core

values like teamwork and innovation. It's a condensed, high-energy adventure that aligns

seamlessly with ACARA Version 9 curriculum across STEM, maths, English, and beyond.

For teachers, it's prime professional development: hands-on demos of curriculum integration,

practical startup guidance, and ongoing mentorship to launch your own teams. Walk away

inspired, equipped, and ready to embed robotics in your everyday teaching.

Ready to connect and transform? FIRST Connects is your launchpad to a brighter STEM future—

let's team up and make it happen! Explore more and get involved today