--- title: FIRST is More Than Robots description: "The More Than movement is a campaign by FIRST to dismantle labels for kids & promote self-esteem through STEM education & robotics programs. #IAmMoreThan" image: https://info.firstinspires.org/hubfs/More%20Than%20Campaign/landing%20page%20-%20feature%20images/mk-mtr-feature-image-1.png --- # Belief in oneself is nothing short of life-changing. As a global robotics community preparing young people for the future, we at *FIRST*® want every kid to recognize their worth, abilities and love who they are. Together with our sponsors, we know the power STEM education has in inspiring the innovative spirit and self-esteem our kids need to tackle the world's greatest challenges. A very special thanks to the following supporters for helping us encourage today's youth to be *More Than*. [![](https://info.firstinspires.org/hubfs/MTBC/bosch.svg)](https://www.bosch.us/our-company/social-responsibility/) [![](https://info.firstinspires.org/hubfs/MTBC/qualcomm.svg)](https://www.firstinspires.org/qualcomm-partnership-impact?hsLang=en) [![](https://info.firstinspires.org/hubfs/MTBC/raytheon.svg)](https://www.firstinspires.org/sites/default/files/uploads/donors-sponsors/strategic/first-raytheon-technologies-partnership-highlight.pdf?hsLang=en) ## When we expand STEM, we expand esteem. 0% 77% of kids say they would turn to a parent, schoolteacher, or school counselor for advice about joining an extracurricular activity 0% 54% of students say that they did join, or would join, a STEM or robotics extracurricular to learn a new skill 0% 29% of kids say that they don’t feel smart enough to join a STEM-related program Allison+Partners Performance + Intelligence surveyed 1,003 individuals age 13-18 years old in the US. The survey was fielded using the Qualtrics Insight Platform and panel was sourced from Lucid. Fielding took place in August 2022 ![Alyssa Carson](https://info.firstinspires.org/hubfs/MTBC/alyssa-carson.jpg) ![](https://info.firstinspires.org/hubfs/MTBC/quotes-divider.svg) I live by a motto, ‘always follow your dream and don’t let anyone take it from you.’ For me, many tried to sway me from my dream of going to Mars – stating I was ‘too young’, and it was something that can wait until I’m older. They underestimated me. However, despite my own nerves, fears, and others’ skepticism, I persevered. Working together with *FIRST*, I want every young person to be encouraged to pursue the activity that is deemed ‘too hard’ or ‘not for girls,’ and to be encouraged by the mentors in their lives to say, ‘yes’ to opportunities outside their comfort zone. Alyssa Carson, FIRST alum, author, space enthusiast ![Cinai](https://info.firstinspires.org/hubfs/MTBC/cinai.jpg) ![](https://info.firstinspires.org/hubfs/MTBC/quotes-divider.svg) What do I want to be more than? I want to be more than the limitations – the things that try to block me – I want to be more than those. Cinai, Student ![Crystal and Parentt](https://info.firstinspires.org/hubfs/MTBC/crystal-parent.jpg) ![](https://info.firstinspires.org/hubfs/MTBC/quotes-divider.svg) More STEM programs gives them the opportunity to try on different hats, because that's really all that growing up is… And the more opportunity they get to explore and experiment with that, the more chance they have to figure out what they want. Christie, Parent ![Dr. R Brooks](https://info.firstinspires.org/hubfs/MTBC/dr-r-brooks.jpg) ![](https://info.firstinspires.org/hubfs/MTBC/quotes-divider.svg) Adults who convey unconditional acceptance and love and focus on identifying and reinforcing students’ strengths or what I call their “islands of competence” – instead of “fixing” their deficits – can help children learn to deal with life’s setback and successes, teach them problem-solving and decision-making skills, and create opportunities for them to enrich the lives of others. Dr. Robert Brooks, clinical psychologist, Harvard Medical School faculty (part-time), leading expert on resilience, motivation and school climate, co-author of Raising Resilient Children and Tenacity in Children: Nurturing the Seven Instincts for Lifetime Success ![](https://info.firstinspires.org/hubfs/MTBC/alyssa-carson.jpg) ![](https://info.firstinspires.org/hubfs/MTBC/cinai.jpg) ![](https://info.firstinspires.org/hubfs/MTBC/crystal-parent.jpg) ![](https://info.firstinspires.org/hubfs/MTBC/dr-r-brooks.jpg) ## Share the *More Than* Movement ## *FIRST*® Is *More Than Robots*℠ *FIRST*® is a robotics community engaging students in exciting team and mentor-based STEM programs and thrilling sports-like competitions. Through a suite of programs for PreK-12 (age 4 – 18), students develop well-rounded life capabilities including, creative problem-solving, leadership, communication, and most importantly, self-confidence and a sense of belonging. Whether it be finding their people or finding their path, students gain the skills, courage, and resiliency to be *More Than*. To learn more about *FIRST*, complete the form below. ![About FIRST®](https://info.firstinspires.org/hubfs/MTBC/award-pic.jpg) [As seen in the *New York Times*](https://info.firstinspires.org/hubfs/More%20Than%20Campaign/first-more-than-nyt-open-letter-2022.pdf?hsLang=en) ![](https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=1200203950045814&ev=PageView&noscript=1) ![](https://ct.pinterest.com/v3/?tid=2615041699514&noscript=1) ![](https://ct.pinterest.com/v3/?tid=2615041699514&event=PageVisit&noscript=1)