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.
Learn more about Inspire.
Filmmaker Shines Light on Rural High School Robotics Team
Jan 21, 2019 By Donald E. Bossi, FIRST President
People love to rally behind local youth sports team, and robotics teams are no exception. Director Joe Brandmeier learned this when he created small town ROBOT, a short documentary about FIRST Robotics Competition Team 5172 “Gator Robotics” from rural Greenbush, Minnesota (pop. 719).
10 Tips for Internet Fundraising for Your Classroom or School Team
Jan 16, 2019 By FIRST Staff
Monique Dituri, a DonorsChoose.org Teacher Ambassador and FIRST mentor, shares tips for crowdfunding she’s learned from helping her high school raise over $775,000 on DonorsChoose.org, a platform for U.S. public school and public charter teachers.
My Biggest Source of Grade-School Adventure Came from My Robotics Team
Jan 02, 2019 By Rose Lam, FIRST Alum
When Rose Lam was in fourth grade, she and friends started The Ponytail Posse, an all-girls FIRST LEGO League team that later became a FIRST Tech Challenge team. Now a FIRST Alum, Rose reflects on the team’s nine-year journey – and the “massive head start” they gained on their futures.
The Future of Computer Science Education
Dec 18, 2018 By FIRST Staff
During Computer Science Education Week, FIRST hosted a #FIRSTInspiresChat on Twitter with FIRST President Don Bossi, computer science educators, FIRST sponsors, and more on the importance of improving K-12 computer science access for educators, parents, and students alike. Here are some highlights.
Why We’re Teaching Other Kids the Building Blocks of Programming and Collaboration
Dec 04, 2018 By Sanjay and Arvind Seshan, FIRST LEGO League Alumni, Coaches, & Volunteers
FIRST LEGO League Alumni Sanjay and Arvind Seshan are experienced computer science educators–and they haven’t even graduated high school yet. In celebration of Computer Science Education Week, we’re sharing how the brothers help students, teachers, and coaches learn coding with LEGO MINDSTORMS.
How Companies Can Help Students Prepare for the Future Workforce
Nov 12, 2018 By Kelli Anderson for EdSurge
EdSurge spoke with Dave Vasko, director of advanced technology at FIRST Strategic Partner Rockwell Automation, about how robotics competitions resemble the Indy 500; why you should be kind to your competition; the leg up FIRST kids have when landing STEM jobs; and his hiring philosophy.
How Our Mentors Help Us See Ourselves in STEM
Nov 05, 2018 By Kelli Anderson for EdSurge
Stereotype-smashing teen Zaina Siyed spoke with EdSurge about how she used FIRST LEGO League to coach eight Muslim girls on self-confidence, perseverance, teamwork, and tech literacy and helped them see themselves in STEM fields, as her FIRST coaches had done for her.
6 STEM Experts on Sparking STEM Interest and Career Discovery in the Classroom
Oct 18, 2018 By Media Planet
Educational technology has blossomed, giving educators new tools to nurture STEM interest in children and create the next generation of STEM superstars. FIRST President Donald E. Bossi and other STEM experts explore strategies for encouraging career discovery in the classroom.
How Working in Space Taught Me to See Home Differently
Oct 04, 2018 Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada
In celebration of all the ways space unites the world – and FIRST – this World Space Week, we’re sharing an inspiring story from Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, about her experience working on international collaborations as an astronaut on the ISS.
Creating STEM Engagement Opportunities for Tomorrow’s Workforce
Sep 26, 2018 By Kelli Anderson for EdSurge
FIRST President Don Bossi spoke with EdSurge about putting inspiration in front of education in the only sport where every kid can go pro and offered insight on why a diverse workforce is the best workforce, and how to go about creating it.