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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Inspire the Future: Introducing the FIRST Educators Recognition Program

May 06, 2021 By Libby Simpson, Education Director, FIRST


In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, we’re highlighting the invisible work teachers take on to help their students succeed and introducing the Inspire the Future: FIRST Educators Recognition Program, a program launching soon inspired by FIRST community teachers and the ethos of Christa McAuliffe.

2020-2021 FIRST GAME CHANGERS Season Celebration & Event Updates

Apr 28, 2021

We’re sharing updates on season celebrations and off-season events for the FIRST GAME CHANGERS powered by Star Wars: Force for Change season.

From Innovation Project to Market: PickUp Patrol Helps Schools in the U.S. and Beyond

Apr 23, 2021


In 2009, FIRST LEGO League teams addressed transportation problems within their community. 12 years later, one team’s Innovation Project turned business, school dismissals app PickUp Patrol, is in 3 countries, 34 states, and countless schools. Coach Maria Edvalson shares their journey to market.

Teaching the Future with Middle School Educator Tammy Hickey

Mar 31, 2021 By FIRST Staff


Christa McAuliffe’s “Teacher in Space” legacy reflects the incredible impact teachers like Tammy Hickey have on their students – and therefore, the future. Hickey, a former student of McAuliffe’s who now teaches Physical Education at Buffalo Creek Middle School in Florida, reflects on that impact.

Teaching the Future: Christa McAuliffe’s Legacy

Mar 17, 2021 By FIRST Staff


Christa McAuliffe’s legacy is a reflection of the incredible impact teachers have on their students – and therefore, the future. With the launch of the 2021 Christa McAuliffe Silver Dollar commemorative coin, we’re celebrating the Teacher in Space and those she inspires.

Celebrating Black History and Game Changers

Mar 12, 2021 By Dr. Janell N. Catlin, Director of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, FIRST


Dr. Janell N. Catlin, Director of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion at FIRST, reflects on why we celebrate moments like Black History Month and shares the voices of a few game changers from the FIRST community and their thoughts on mentorship, Black history and more.

2021 FIRST Championship Update

Mar 10, 2021 Written by FIRST Staff


We’re sharing an update on the 2021 FIRST Championship events

 

Today’s Leaders: Meet the Youth Advisory Committee

Mar 03, 2021 By FIRST Staff


FIRST students know how to take what they know and what they’re capable of to make their communities a better place. To help inspire youth voice and leadership within FIRST, we formed the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Youth Advisory Committee. Get to know these amazing young people and how to join.

Introducing Command-Based Programming with Robots

Feb 24, 2021 By Libby Simpson, FIRST Director of Education


Building STEM literacy includes learning the essentials of coding and programming. To help students with little to no knowledge of command-based programming, FIRST Education, with support from Bloomberg and WPI, has created an activity series for building a robot that can execute specific tasks.

 

FIRST Robotics Competition Season Events Update

Jan 29, 2021

We’re sharing an update on in-person game play for FIRST Robotics Competition.