Who is FIRST Mid-Atlantic?
FIRST Mid-Atlantic is the brand pseudonym for Mid-Atlantic Robotics, a New Jersey Non-Profit Corporation with IRS 501(c)(3) exemption as a charitable organization. It was created in October 2010 with the encouragement of FIRST, Manchester, NH. Our mission is to promote and implement FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) programs (ages 14-18), starting in 2010, and FIRST Lego League (FLL) program (ages 6-14), starting in 2019 for the benefit of all teams in our designated regions. Our FRC Region encompasses all of Delaware, New Jersey, and counties in Pennsylvania, including those from Harrisburg eastward. Since our FLL program began in 2019, our FLL Region has expanded to encompass Eastern Pennsylvania, now extending to Harrisburg and Northern New Jersey. In 2025, we added FLL and FTC in Delaware.
Joining an Existing Team or Starting A Team
FIRST or FMA does not match youth to existing teams due to our privacy policy. Teams form in local communities and recruit as needed. We encourage those looking for a team to contact local schools, libraries, or youth organizations that may already have a team in place or be interested in starting one. An online search may also be helpful, as some teams share contact information through websites and social media pages.
If you cannot find a team, we suggest starting a team with your child and their friends. We have many Family/Community teams that get started in early August, while many school teams have to wait until school is back in session. You can share the startup costs with all the parents. The best part is developing a better relationship with your children. Consider it a gift to their future.
FIRST programs changed the lives of my four children,
and now my grand children!!!
Frank Larkin - FMA FLL Director
Join our Mailing List
Our Mailing List will help us keep you informed of free events during the season. You and your children will be amazed at what teams can accomplish. Also, you'll have the opportunity to speak with teams to learn about the requirements for participation in this exciting program. You can opt out at any time.
Our Robotics Programs

FIRST® LEGO® League introduces STEM to children ages 4-16* through fun, exciting hands-on learning. Participants gain real-world problem-solving experiences through a guided, global robotics program, helping today’s students and teachers build a better future together. FIRST LEGO League’s three divisions inspire youth to experiment and grow their critical thinking, coding, and design skills through hands-on STEM learning and robotics.
FLL Explore Video (Grades 1-3)
FLL Challenge Video (Grades 4-8)
2025-2026 FLL Challenge
UNEARTHED Season Reveal
Contact: Frank Larkin, FLL Director

FIRST® Robotics Competition challenges teams to design, program, and build a robot starting with a standard kit of parts and a common set of rules to play in a themed head-to-head challenge. Teams also build a brand, develop community partnerships for support, and work to promote STEM in their local community.
About FIRST Robotics Competition (2021 Video)
Contact: Frank Farrell, FMA Executive Director
