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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Welcome, Larry Cohen

Dec 03, 2019 By Don Bossi


Outgoing FIRST President Don Bossi shares his reflections and welcomes the next president of FIRST, technology leader Lawrence Cohen.

Celebration of Life for Dr. Woodie Flowers

Nov 20, 2019 By Donald E. Bossi, FIRST President


FIRST President Don Bossi shares information about the upcoming virtual Celebration of Life for Woodie Flowers on December 9 and sheds some light on the story of Margaret Flowers, Woodie’s beloved wife and a strong supporter of our mission.

4 Droid Design Tips from Star Wars Galactic Builders

Nov 12, 2019 By FIRST Staff


Star Wars droids and FIRST robots united in the Galactic Builders video series, where FIRST students learned what goes into designing droids for the Star Wars universe from the experts who bring it to life.

FIRST Alum Builds Solar Car

Oct 23, 2019 Written by FIRST Staff


FIRST alum Tina Li, who participated in the prestigious World Solar Challenge as part of the Stanford Solar Car Project team, spoke about designing and engineering a solar car and how the challenge builds on her FIRST experience.

A Message about Dr. Woodie Flowers

Oct 12, 2019

Dear FIRST community, It is with a heavy heart we share that Dr. Woodie Flowers has passed away from medical complications.

Five Quotes to Live By from 2019 FIRST Inspire Gala Honoree, Soledad O’Brien

Oct 10, 2019 By FIRST Staff


Soledad O’Brien, an award-winning journalist, speaker, author, philanthropist, and founder/CEO of the Starfish Media Group, is a fierce advocate for education. As we look forward to honoring O’Brien at the 2019 FIRST Inspire Gala on November 7, we’re sharing five of her most inspirational quotes.

Hear My Voice: Youth Leadership at FIRST

Jul 18, 2019 By Katie Johnson, FIRST Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Youth Advisory Committee Member & FIRST Alum


FIRST alum Katie Johnson discusses the impact of her decade as a FIRST participant and her work on the FIRST Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Youth Advisory Committee, which helped create new youth training that supports FIRST in making all students’ experiences more inclusive.

A Message from FIRST President Don Bossi

Jul 11, 2019 Written by FIRST President Donald E. Bossi


FIRST President Don Bossi shares a heartfelt message about the future leadership of FIRST.

Investing in Employees and Communities, Together

Jun 25, 2019 By Donald E. Bossi, FIRST President


Best-in-class companies are using their social good initiatives to evaluate employees and identify emerging leaders, while helping staff support their communities. This was the topic at a session FIRST President Don Bossi moderated at Engage for Good, an industry-leading conference on social impact.

How our Learning Differences are our Super Powers

Jun 18, 2019 By Kenny Bae, FIRST Tech Challenge Coach & Physics Teacher, Wolcott School, Chicago


Kenny Bae, FIRST coach and physics teacher for Wolcott School, a Chicago school that supports students with learning differences, shares how his students’ strengths have helped them succeed in FIRST, create innovative projects to make STEM more accessible, and build self-confidence.