FIRST

Earth’s oceans are more than what you can see on the horizon. Beneath the surface lies our planet’s most complex ecosystems, full of life and potential for exploration, learning, and innovation. Modern marine technology allows us to gain more immersive knowledge of the ocean’s greatest wonders, but more than 80% of the ocean is still waiting to be explored. How will you use your STEM skills to dive into the unknown and improve life on land and underwater? Join our 2024-2025 ocean-themed robotics season, FIRST DIVE presented by Qualcomm, and uncover the potential in each of us to strengthen our community and innovate for a better world: 🌊 FIRST LEGO League SUBMERGED launches August 6, 2024. 🌊 FIRST Tech Challenge INTO THE DEEP presented by RTX launches September 7, 2024. 🌊 FIRST Robotics Competition REEFSCAPE presented by Gene Haas Foundation launches January 4, 2025. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ejQjgX8W #FIRSTDIVE #SUBMERGED #INTOTHEDEEP #REEFSCAPE

“Robotics programs give students the tools and confidence they need to follow many paths, including entering the workforce immediately after high school graduation in fields like manufacturing; pursuing a trade; or entering a two- or four-year collegiate STEM degree program.” The success of many businesses depends on strengthening the STEM workforce pipeline. Participation in FIRST not only helps build knowledgeable and skilled individuals who are workforce-ready, but equips them with the confidence needed to secure and contribute meaningfully to professional roles. Read more via The New York Times about how businesses are investing and engaging with FIRST programs to prepare the next generation of STEM leaders: https://hubs.ly/Q02xyMmy0 #morethanrobots

"It has been the most rewarding thing I have ever done. You’ll never know if you don’t try.” Sera is a FIRST student and a participant in her local theater scene. Read more to learn how she uses her STEM and theater skills together to succeed. #PeopleofSTEAM https://hubs.ly/Q02xxPPH0

At FIRST, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community for all participants. Well-being is important and we encourage coaches and mentors to educate themselves on ways to best work with their students. Visit the Well-Being tab for helpful resources created by the National Institute for Mental Health: https://hubs.ly/Q02x7lsR0 #morethanrobots

“At FIRST, one of the things we do to make our programs more accessible, with the support of strategic partners like BAE Systems, is to design grant programs that offer students the opportunity to enjoy STEM. We also have a FIRST program directly connected to the ‘in-school’ day so we know that when students are able to participate during school, they get it done and can enjoy it as part of the curriculum.” Dr. Janell N. Catlin, Ph.D., FIRST VP of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and Dana Rixter, Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer at BAE Systems, Inc. sat down on HR Leaders to share their collaborative journey to strengthen the career pipeline, impart best practices, lessons learned, and strategies to maximize ED&I impact in STEM talent development. Check out the podcast episode: https://hubs.ly/Q02vmxJl0

Students Worldwide to Make Waves as FIRST Announces 2024-2025 Youth Robotics Season, #FIRSTDIVE presented by Qualcomm. Learn more: https://hubs.ly/Q02x72Rb0

FIRST is on Ryan's World! Our friend Darrion Nyugen (aka Doctor Ion) visited us at the 2023 #FIRSTChamp last year and captured every second of the STEM and robotics excitement for the world to see! Check it out: https://hubs.ly/Q02xh5Sf0 (P.S. Don't miss a cameo from our #stemsquad bestie Jay Flores!)

Congratulations to our 2024 International Inspire the Future: FIRST Educators Recognition Program honorees – we’re so excited to have these passionate educators as part of our third cohort! 👏 #InspireTheFuture #TeacherAppreciationWeek 🍎 Marc de Asis from Vancouver, Canada 🍎 Eleftheria Ringa from Alexandroupoli, Greece 🍎 Gaurav Berwal from Bahadurgarh, India 🍎 Emma Mphahlele from Cape Town, South Africa 🍎 Burhan Sengun from Istanbul, Turkey

We’re so excited to celebrate our very first Inspire the Future: FIRST School Recognition Program cohort! Congratulations to these five outstanding schools dedicated to the FIRST mission 🤖 #InspireTheFuture #TeacherAppreciationWeek ✏️ Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation from Evansville, Indiana ✏️ Lamar School from Meridian, Mississippi ✏️ Knob Noster High School from Knob Noster, Missouri ✏️ Mountain Island Charter School from Mount Holly, North Carolina ✏️ McKeesport Area High School from White Oak, Pennsylvania

Applications for the 2024 FIRST x UNCF Scholars Program are Now Open! https://hubs.ly/Q02wlBvY0