Each season FIRST^® volunteers make it possible for students across the world to prepare for the future through engaging, hands-on robotics programs. In the past season, numerous teachers, parents, professionals, and community leaders invested in our students through coaching and mentoring. Our mentoring network, the FIRST Mentor Network, served as a catalyst to connect teams with mentors in the US and Canada. Volunteers gave their time to participate in events where students learned and practiced Coopertition and Gracious Professionalism. FIRST Championship in Houston boasted a whopping 35,000+ attendees from all over the world who came to participate, volunteer, observe, and be a part of the impact of FIRST. Volunteers make it possible every season for students to build a better future through FIRST programs. Thank you to every one of you who gave your time and invested in our students this season!

Learn more about the impact of FIRST

The future is bright and we are looking forward to an exciting new season in 2022-2023: FIRST^® ENERGIZE^SM presented by Qualcomm! As volunteers you will energize and inspire the next generation to build a better future- and along the way, get energized and inspired yourself. Please reach out to our FIRST partners in your area if you have questions about events and opportunities near you. Gear up for the season with new ENERGIZE digital content, available now. Share your digital FIRST volunteer badge on social or in your email signature, snag the social media covers for your Facebook and Twitter profiles, and outfit your favorite devices with ENERGIZE wallpapers. Don't forget to visit your FIRST Dashboard to update your profile and check your screening for Youth Protection so you can volunteer at FIRST events. Will you help us energize the future?

Learn more about the new ENERGIZE Season!

Volunteers are critical to the success of FIRST! Each year, we recognize a few select volunteers who have gone above and beyond in their contributions to FIRST on both a local, national, or international level. As chosen by FIRST program directors, we would like to congratulate and thank the following individuals on receiving the 2021 – 2022 Volunteer of the Year Award across our programs. They have invested significant time and energy into their volunteer roles with FIRST and we couldn’t have done it without them. If you know a recipient of the Volunteer of the Year award, reach out and congratulate them!

FIRST Lego League Explore: Dr. Patricia Gouws

FIRST Lego League Challenge: Andrew Snape and Abdulmatin Adeniji

FIRST Tech Challenge: Jacob Burroughs

FIRST Robotics Competition: Chuck Dickerson

Read more about their contributions to FIRST

We are excited to report that new features have been added to the FIRST Mentor Network platform! The FIRST Mentor Network is an interactive platform allowing interested teams and mentors to easily find each other for virtual or face-to-face mentorship, locally or across the country, for a few hours or for a season. Now mentors will be able to choose if they would like to share their employer, affiliation, and alumni status on their mentor profile! For this information to show in the FIRST Mentor Network, you must first go to your profile in the FIRST Dashboard and select the appropriate check box to consent. Sign up today!

Looking for a way to stay grounded in FIRST and its core values during the off-season? We have some optional training videos and courses available for any FIRST volunteer, whether you are new to FIRST or a veteran volunteer. Through these trainings, you can brush up on your existing knowledge, learn something new, and be reminded of your personal connection to the mission and vision of FIRST.

Check them out below. Questions? Email volunteer@FIRSTinspires.org  

Cross-Program Training for Volunteers in Any Role 

Volunteering with FIRST is a learning module for mentors, coaches, and event volunteers that explores what FIRST is and what it means to volunteer with FIRST.​  

Inspiring Success Training is for coaches, mentors, volunteers, partners, and other key stakeholders who work directly with students and are committed to creating diverse, inclusive, and equitable teams and are committed to creating a sense of belonging for students. This training is delivered in three modules. We recommend completing each module in one sitting.  

The FIRST Volunteer Customer Service Training will equip you with the tools needed to provide inspiration, safety, support, and a positive experience to our customers. Our customers are anyone who participates in FIRST including teams, parents, coaches/mentors, teachers, sponsors, spectators, and other volunteers. 

Youth Protection Training will enable you to recognize situations that may pose a threat to team member safety and learn the steps to take the actions necessary to prevent and report injuries. 

Cross-Program Training for Mentors and Coaches 

Mentoring and Coaching with FIRST is designed to allow you to develop a deeper understanding of the expectations of your role and where to find support. 

Remote Mentoring with FIRST explores the fundamentals of remote meetings.