Inspire

Welcome to Inspire, a blog from FIRST.

After years of inspiring young people, as well as the adults who work with them, we decided it was time to share some of the things that inspire us.


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STEM with FIRST

Nov 08, 2021 By Libby Simpson, FIRST Education Director

Explore the ways FIRST accomplishes preparing young people for the future through various STEM opportunities. STEM combined with transdisciplinary learning opens opportunities for deeper learning connections and meets students' needs to know and be prepared for the 21st Century world of work.

How to Reengage Students by Reinvigorating Your FIRST Program

Oct 05, 2021 By Libby Simpson, Director of Education, and Vinnie Rodino, Director of School Engagement

COVID-19 interrupted student learning. Now hands-on education is more important than ever to engage young people in STEM through team-based, project-based learning. We share ways to grow or reinvigorate evidence-based FIRST robotics programs where funding opportunities are available.

Inspire the Future: FIRST Educators Recognition Program Opens for Nominations

Sep 29, 2021 By Libby Simpson, FIRST Director of Education


The FIRST community is full of dedicated, inspirational teachers. “Recognition” is not only part of our name but core to our ethos; that’s why we've introduced the Inspire the Future: FIRST Educators Recognition Program. FIRST Education Director Libby Simpson shares how you can nominate an educator.

COVID-19 Update: 2021-2022 FIRST Season Events

Sep 17, 2021 By Chris Rake, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, FIRST


As we enter a third season of FIRST that has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, Chris Rake, EVP & COO of FIRST, shares more about our season plans, including event modifications and recent updates to the FIRST Robotics Competition Payment Terms providing greater flexibility.

Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month

Sep 15, 2021 By Dr. Janell N. Catlin, Director of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, FIRST


Join the FIRST community as we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month (9/15-10/15) and amplify the voices and experiences of Hispanic and Latinx American FIRST students, mentors, alumni, and corporate sponsors. Read more from Dr. Janell N. Catlin, Director of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion.

Q&A with Dean Kamen: Continuing Christa McAuliffe’s Legacy of Inspiration

Aug 31, 2021 Written by FIRST Staff


September 2, 2021, would have been educator and STEM hero Christa McAuliffe’s 73rd birthday. We spoke with Dean Kamen, founder of FIRST, about why he has been an unwavering advocate for carrying on her legacy of inspiration.

Using FIRST Core Values to Support Social-Emotional Learning

Jun 14, 2021 By Libby Simpson, FIRST Director of Education, and Caroline Hanson, Volunteer Coordinator, FIRST Nevada


The social-emotional learning (SEL) competencies align with the FIRST Core Values, part of the power of our preK-12 programming. FIRST Education Director Libby Simpson and educator Caroline Hanson share how parents, educators, and coaches can use our new, free 10-session SEL curriculum series.

Summer enrichment with FIRST using hands-on learning

Jun 03, 2021 By Libby Simpson, FIRST Director of Education


Tools and techniques are at your disposal through FIRST to meet students' social, emotional, and academic needs during summer learning enrichment. Learn how FIRST community members are providing STEM learning opportunities for students using the resources from our FIRST @ Home curriculum series.

Celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride Month!

Jun 01, 2021 By Dr. Janell N. Catlin, Director of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, FIRST

 

FIRST Director of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Dr. Janell N. Catlin shares the Pride Edition of the FIRST logo alongside collaborations with the Human Rights Campaign and LGBTQ+ of FIRST – part of our commitment to LGBTQ+ individuals and creating a more equitable and inclusive community.

 

Reflecting on and Celebrating Your Impact

May 25, 2021 By Cassie McIntyre, Director of Corporate Partnerships & Individual Giving, FIRST


During this time of season-culminating celebration, FIRST Director of Corporate Partnerships & Individual Giving Cassie McIntyre reflects on and thanks all who made our 2020-2021 season possible for your continued support in ensuring FIRST is available for decades and future generations to come.