FIRST LEGO League 2025-2026 Eligibility Update

We are writing to provide an important update regarding the 2025-2026 season of the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) program in Texas, specifically concerning the eligibility of 7th and 8th-grade students.

The state of Texas is planning significant changes for middle schools. These changes are driven by the Texas Education Agency and the Texas Board of Education and will be in effect next year and fully implemented by 2028. This is just one of the reasons for considering the progression of 7th and 8th graders from the FLL to the FTC program. Early indications advocate that FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is a more suitable program for middle school to align with the evolving curriculum, performance standards, and workforce development skills.

We understand that schools must plan for 2025 – 2026 as the school year ends and that this is a time of uncertainty for many. We sincerely apologize for any confusion this may have caused as you await our decision. For the 2025-2026 season, FIRST in Texas has allowed 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students to remain eligible to participate in the FLL program.

In addition, we are forming a new FIRST LEGO League Advisory Council, which will gather feedback, evaluate options, and create formal channels for coaches, mentors, and school administrators to provide input. We will soon share further information about the Advisory Council and how to get involved.

Our top priority is to ensure that we navigate this process thoughtfully and with the best interests of both students and educators in mind. We are committed to supporting Texas students in preparing for the future while ensuring educators are equipped to build a workforce ready to meet the challenges ahead.

We truly appreciate your understanding and continued support. We value the hard work and dedication of all involved in the FIRST LEGO League program, and we look forward to working together to ensure that all students have access to the best opportunities for continued growth and development of 21st-century comprehensive-based knowledge and skills for College and Career success.