FIRST is committed to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
FIRST® is a robotics community that prepares young people for the future. A vital part of our strategic intent is to serve an inclusive and diverse audience, reflecting the population of the communities we serve—and even going beyond through targeted, new community outreach.
FIRST understands the broader societal context of economic, educational, and social factors historically leading to disproportionate access and outcomes. Leveraging cross-sector and industry collaborations, FIRST is actively engaged in developing and delivering strategies that remove barriers and ensure greater access to FIRST programs so that all youth can participate.
INITIATIVES & GRANTS
TRAINING & RESOURCES
IMPACT
FIRST has prioritized initiatives, grants, and resources for these underserved, underrepresented and vulnerable populations
Underrepresented Populations:
- Persons of Latinx Descent
- Black/African Americans
- Native American, Indigenous Persons, Alaskan Natives
- Native Hawaiian, Asian, Pacific Islanders
Underserved Populations:
- Economically disadvantaged students
- Girls & young women
- First generation in college
- Disconnected youth
- Those living in rural or urban areas
Vulnerable Youths:
- LGBTQ+ youth
- Runaway and homeless youth
- Youth involved in the juvenile justice system
- Immigrant youth & emergent bilinguals
- Youth with disabilities and/or receiving special education
- Youth emancipating from foster care
Selected definitions from Committee on STEM Education (2013) and Fernandes-Alacantra (2014).
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Stories
Transformative learning through robotics
Melissa Jackson
Grants Manager, Boys and Girls Haven, Kentucky
With Apple and FIRST, we’re bringing robotics to every student
Zandra Jo Galván
Superintendent, Greenfield Union School District, Greenfield, California
Grant partnership helps break down barriers to STEM access in First Nations communities
Alberta Distance Learning Center
FIRST STEM Community
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement
FIRST is committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion. We embrace and encourage differences in race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, income, language, learning difference, or any other characteristics that make our adult-force and students unique.
Exploring, developing and implementing strategies to become more inclusive and ensure access to our programs to all students (as well as access to key supports) is critical for FIRST to reach its goal and mission. ALL young people should have the opportunity to become science and technology leaders. FIRST will remove barriers to program participation for underserved, underrepresented students. Pursuant to that end, FIRST Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion is a concerted, organized effort to develop strategies to make its programs more accessible and inclusive.
FIRST Reporting Portal
We encourage anyone participating with FIRST or attending FIRST related activities or events to report concerns to FIRST Headquarters. Select The FIRST Reporting Portal link which provides a confidential platform to report youth protection concerns, medical incidents, or other issues. All reports are reviewed by trained staff and reporters will receive a follow up response if contact information is provided.
Alternatively, reports may also be filed via email at safetyfirst@firstinspires.org or phone at 603-666-3906 Ext. 250.
Contact:
FIRST Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Team
diversity@firstinspires.org