Pennsylvania FIRST Robotics and Robotics Competition Grants
What This Grant Funds
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) runs competitive robotics programs for students in grades K through 12, including FIRST LEGO League for younger students and FIRST Robotics Competition for high schoolers. Grants are available to help teams cover registration fees, robot parts, and travel costs. Pennsylvania has an active FIRST community with regional coordinators who support teams in accessing grant funding and sponsorships. Physical computing, coding, and engineering design are at the core of all FIRST programs.
Who Is Eligible in Pennsylvania
K-12 schools, clubs, and community organizations forming FIRST teams in Pennsylvania are eligible for team grants. Pennsylvania has FIRST teams in urban, suburban, and rural areas across the state. Teams are mentored by adult volunteers, often from industry or higher education. Any school or organization can form a team with a volunteer mentor and register with FIRST.
Funding Amounts
Team grants typically range from $500 to $5,000 per team, with the amount depending on the FIRST program level and the available funding from regional sponsors. FIRST also partners with corporate sponsors nationally who provide additional team support.
How Forward Education Products Qualify
Forward Education's micro:bit kits and coding curriculum are excellent preparation tools for students building FIRST teams. Students who have already worked with physical computing through our products come into robotics competitions with coding and hardware experience that accelerates their team development. Our curriculum can serve as a pre-FIRST pathway for younger students before they transition to formal competition programs.
How to Apply and Timeline
FIRST team grants are available through the FIRST website and through regional Pennsylvania FIRST affiliates. Teams should register with FIRST and then apply for available grants through the FIRST grant portal. Corporate sponsors like Boeing, Qualcomm, and local Pennsylvania businesses also fund FIRST teams directly. Contact the Pennsylvania FIRST regional coordinator for guidance on local funding opportunities.
Visit FIRST Inspires to learn about team registration and available grants.
