Frequently Asked Questions

How do I participate in the FIRST Global Challenge?

FIRST Global’s mission is to inspire the youth of the world to pursue careers in STEM. We aim to inspire them to become future leaders in resolving our world’s technological challenges, and to teach them the value of collaborating with others to reach their goals. To achieve these goals, FIRST Global invites each country to send one team to our “olympics”-style event, a choice that each nation makes in its own way. FIRST Global partners with FIRST in countries where they have programs, and other partners in countries without, to choose those who select that country’s team.

 

We have only one national team for each country, and team selection is conducted by our in-country partner. Participants are limited to students between 14-18 years old. Contact information for each team will be shared on their team profile page, which is accessible via this map.

 

There are also other ways you can get involved. See the answer to the question “How can I get involved?” below.

I would like to be FIRST Global's partner in my country. What can I do?

Although we have established partners in most countries, we open an application process at the beginning of each year for entities to apply to be considered for in-country partnership. You can fill out the interest form here. If we have already selected our partner in your country for this year, we will keep your information and send you an invitation to apply for next year.

How can I get involved?

You can become involved with FIRST Global as an international robotic mentor or at the game as an on-site volunteer. People with all types of skill sets can make a difference.

 

The Global STEM Corps

The Global STEM Corps (GSC) is an international group of STEM activists dedicated to working directly with a FIRST Global team. Their active mentorship will bring inspiration to regions of the world that are preparing to step onto the stage of international robotics.

 

By becoming part of FIRST Global’s Global STEM Corps, you can bring the excitement of STEM to youth around the world on a personal level. Fill in some basic information about yourself or your organization via our registration system and our organizers will work to partner you with a nation’s team taking part in the FIRST Global Challenge. After receiving your partner team’s information, you will be able to virtually mentor this team through video, email and other internet tools.

 

If you are interested in becoming a GSC Mentor or learning more about the program, please visit the Global STEM Corps page.

 

Volunteer

Another way you can get involved is as a volunteer at the FIRST Global Challenge itself. Volunteers are welcome to serve in a multitude of different roles, and these positions are available for people with many different talents and experience levels. You can learn more on our Volunteers page.

 

Background checks are required for all volunteer positions, including the Global STEM Corps and are paid for by FIRST Global.

Can I attend the event as a spectator?

Yes! The event will be open to the public. Volunteers will be given priority for event access, and attendance information for the general public will be posted prior to the opening of the event.

How many individuals are on a team?

Each team must consist of between three to five students, ages 14 to 18 years, along with one adult technical mentor/coach and one team organizer. This group forms the official team. Note that there is no limit to the number of team members or adult technical mentors/coaches who can work on the robot at home. However, official credentials will only be issued to a maximum of five student competitors and two adult mentors/coaches for the event. For any special requests or extenuating circumstances, please contact info@first.global.

How do I register my team for the FIRST Global Challenge?

Once your team is confirmed to attend, the official team mentor will be emailed information for how to register.

What equipment is used in the FIRST Global Competition?

FIRST Global teams will use a self-contained educational robotics kit that includes all needed mechanical, electrical, and software components. The build set is designed to be usable by both beginner and experienced teams.

 

The equipment is divided into a “build component” and a “programming component.” Some of the build components include brackets, extrusions, fastening hardware, hardware adaptors, bearings, wheels of different sizes, gears, pulleys, motors, servos, and sprockets. All parts can be fastened together with parts inside of the kit and do not require additional connective materials.

 

Some of the programming component options include Android Studios suite (which allows coding in Java), along with a visual programming block language that is for beginners.

When can I build my robot for the FIRST Global Challenge?

FIRST Global Challenge participants will begin building their robot after the robot kit is shipped. Teams are welcome to continue building all the way until the team arrives for the competition.

How can I get additional parts or another robot kit?

If your team would like to purchase additional parts or robot kits, this will not be done through FIRST Global. You must email sales@revrobotics.com and put “FIRST Global” in the subject line. RevRobotics will work with you to place the order and ship the kits.

Can we use the FIRST Global logo/branding?

Teams may use the official FIRST Global logo for the purposes of identifying their participation in the FIRST Global Challenge and for sponsorship purposes. However, no modifications are allowed to be made to the logo; this includes no additions, subtractions, changes in color, etc. For advertising purposes, teams can create social media pages.

What if I have an interesting photo/video/story I’d like to share?

If you are a FIRST Global team and have any photos, videos, or stories you would like to share, please contact press@first.global.

What are the Grand Challenges for Engineering and how do they relate to FIRST Global?

The Grand Challenges for Engineering are the 14 most pressing engineering challenges facing the world as identified by the US National Academy of Engineering, UK Royal Academy of Engineering, and Chinese Academy of Engineering. The challenges range from finding solutions to energy and education, to medicine and cyberspace. The game design for the FIRST Global robotics game will draw thematic inspiration from the different Grand Challenges, which began with providing access to clean water in the 2017 Challenge. For a list of all of the challenges, see their website.

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