FIRST LEGO League 8th Grade Inclusion

To our FIRST LEGO League Community in Texas,

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who have reached out to us through our feedback channels regarding the decision to transition 8th-grade students in the FIRST LEGO League to the FIRST Tech Challenge program for the 2024 – 2025 season.

This change was communicated to our local Texas FIRST LEGO League – Program Delivery Coordinators before and emphasized during our annual FIRST LEGO League kickoff event last year. It was also included in our annual updates to our website systems.

While we acknowledge some concerns about the potential negative impact on the program, we are encouraged by the overwhelmingly positive feedback and appreciation for this change.

We want to assure you that your voices have been heard, and we value the constructive dialogue with our program leadership. Our aim is always to increase access to our programs, recognizing that some organizations may need additional time to adapt and transition with school leadership.

In response, we are revising our program guidance for the 2024 – 2025 FIRST DIVE – Submerged season in Texas. We will allow 8th graders to participate this season as an additional transition year. We require any team with 8th-grade students to complete a FIRST in Texas – 8th Grade Transition Form by December 1, 2024. This will ensure coaches are aware of the upcoming change for the 2025 – 2026 season and will also help document the impact of the change.

We appreciate your passion and dedication to the mission of FIRST in Texas. We wish you an amazing season of learning, teamwork, and excitement in the FIRST LEGO League.

Thank you for being a part of this incredible community.

FIRST in Texas