For the past three decades, FIRST^® has been leading the charge to prepare the next generation for the future of work. Using robots as a "hook," and with the support of corporate sponsors such as Qualcomm, FIRST has a proven impact when it comes to empowering students to pursue careers in the ever-expanding STEM fields. Forbes’ Jim Vinoski talked to FIRST founder Dean Kamen on how robotics competitions help create our future workforce. Read more via Forbes.

Musician and tech entrepreneur will.i.am and his i.am.angel foundation announced that they are teaming up with the Los Angeles Unified School District to expand access to FIRST robotics programs from 1,200 kids to 12,000 throughout the entire district. "If I was 15 right now, I'd be in robotics because that is the ultimate level of creativity," Will said. Read more via NBC Los Angeles.

We’re proud of our quarter-century-strong collaboration with The Walt Disney Company as we inspire the next generation of heroes and innovators. Scott Trowbridge, Portfolio Creative Executive for Walt Disney Imagineering, discussed our partnership and how the company is helping kids with their future in STEM on Cheddar News.

FIRST mentors and coaches provide FIRST students with inclusive environments to learn and thrive. Our free cross-program training module is designed to help new and prospective coaches and mentors better understand their roles and where to find support. Take the training today at Mentoring and Coaching with FIRST.

We’re moving FIRST FORWARD: full speed ahead, and we need YOU in the driver’s seat! Team and Class Pack registration is now open for the 2021-2022 season. Join us for our transportation-inspired robotics season,
FIRST^® FORWARD^SM presented by Qualcomm, to start inventing the future today.