The Future of Innovation Is Being Built Today: Industry Leaders on STEM Education

In celebration of National STEM Day (November 8), we asked leaders and innovators at four longtime FIRST^® sponsors — 3M, John Deere, GE Aerospace, and Qualcomm Incorporated — to weigh in on a big question: What does participation in hands-on STEM education make possible for young people? 

FIRST and its versatile network of industry-leading supporters help give students the chance to explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) early, and each brings a different perspective on where these life-changing learning experiences can lead. In this blog, hear from a scientist at 3M who has seen the value of FIRST participation from a parent point of view; a FIRST alum at John Deere who uses what he learned on his team as an engineer; leaders at GE Aerospace and Qualcomm who see hands-on STEM education as a way to prepare young people for careers in aerospace and technology; and Don Bossi, FIRST Interim Chief Executive Officer and Board Vice-Chair.

If you’ve ever seen a FIRST student's face light up when the robot they’ve spent weeks building finally moves, you know how much that “a-ha” moment means. With mentors and STEM leaders in their corner, students learn to test ideas, fail safely, and work together on a solution. Those skills stay with them wherever their path takes them in life. 

As emerging technologies change the way we learn and work, FIRST supporters are helping more young people build confidence and imagine all they can do with the STEM and life skills they are honing through participation in robotics programs. Read more below:

3M – Jayshree Seth:

As a STEM professional and parent, why are the hands-on STEM experiences that FIRST offers essential to connecting classroom learning with real-world possibilities?

"Hands-on STEM [learning] closes the gap between knowing and doing. As a scientist and parent to a FIRST alum, I’ve seen how it builds what I call #TheRealSTEM:Skills Talent Expertise Mindset. It connects classroom learning to real-world problem solving, sparking curiosity and confidence so young people see not only what is possible, but what they themselves can make possible."

Dr. Jayshree Seth | 3M Corporate Scientist & Chief Science Advocate

GE Aerospace – Phil Wickler

Why is hands-on STEM education essential to preparing the next generation of innovators who will shape the future of aviation and aerospace?

"The future of flight will depend on the next generation of problem-solvers. Hands-on STEM experiences in robotics programs like FIRST help young people turn curiosity into action, build real engineering and teamwork skills, and see how their ideas can one day contribute to solving complex challenges in aviation and aerospace."

Phil Wickler | Chief Transformation Officer, GE Aerospace

John Deere – Adam Hersh:

How did your hands-on robotics experiences with FIRST help you develop the skills you use to solve real-world engineering challenges in your career today?

"As a FIRST student, I learned to turn ideas into working robots and solve problems collaboratively. Today, I apply those skills in robotics and pass them on as a mentor for FIRST^® Robotics Competition Team 254, “The Cheesy Poofs.” Hands-on STEM gives students ownership of real challenges and the confidence to persist when answers aren’t obvious, preparing them for future careers. Those same experiences helped me turn an internship at Blue River Technology into a full-time position this year."

Adam Hersh | FIRST Alum and Mechatronics Engineer, Blue River Technologies (John Deere)

Qualcomm – Natalie Taitano:

Why is STEM education so important for today's young people?

"STEM education gives students the skills, confidence, and curiosity to turn ideas into solutions. By connecting hands-on learning to real-world technologies and careers, we’re preparing the next generation to innovate and lead the workforce of the future."

Natalie Taitano | Senior Manager, Government Affairs at Qualcomm Incorporated 

FIRST - Don Bossi 

How is FIRST harnessing STEM education to create a better future?

“The future demands innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders who can adapt to a rapidly changing world. FIRST is helping meet that need by transforming STEM education into hands-on robotics and engineering experiences where young people apply technical knowledge, tackle real-world challenges, and build confidence, creativity, and teamwork.

That’s why we partner with leading global organizations like 3M, GE Aerospace, John Deere, and Qualcomm, who recognize the importance of investing in the next generation of STEM talent. Together, we’re connecting students with industry expertise, technology, and opportunities that bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications.

Through these experiences, we’re inspiring interest in STEM and equipping the next generation with the skills and mindset to shape a better future for us all.”

Don Bossi | FIRST Interim Chief Executive Officer, Board Vice-Chair

Learn more about the proven impact of FIRST at firstinspires.org/about/impact.