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:
- Hispanic & Latinos
- African Americans
- American Indians
- Native Alaskans, Hawaiians & Pacific Islanders
Underserved Populations:
- Economically disadvantage 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 & youth with limited English proficiency
- Youth with disabilities and/or receiving special educations
- Youth emancipating from foster care
Definitions from Committee on STEM Education (2013) and Fernandes-Alacantra (2014).
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Stories
Grant funding supports STEM engagement at Detroit youth recreation center
S.A.Y. Detroit Play Center
FIRST STEM Community
Bringing schools together for STEM success
Heather Naviasky
Regional Manager of School Partnerships, the Y of Central Maryland
Gaining exposure and access to higher education
Carrie Ruddle
Pendleton County (West Virginia) 4-H
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 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.
Non-Medical Incident Form
The Non-Medical incident form can be used for any concern ranging from or related to volunteer issues, venue issues, Code of Conduct issues, or Youth Protection issues. Youth participants are encouraged to reach out ot the Youth Protection Department for support and assistance if they have any concerns about heir own safety and/or treatment or that of other participants in FIRST programs. Read more here.
Contact:
FIRST Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Team
diversity@firstinspires.org