Young kids celebrating at FIRST Championship

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.



 

multiple gear iconINITIATIVES & GRANTS



 

head gear iconTRAINING & RESOURCES



 

head gear iconIMPACT

 

FIRST has prioritized initiatives, grants, and resources for these underserved, underrepresented and vulnerable populations
 

Underrepresented Populations:

  • Persons of Latinx Descent
  • Black/African Americans
  • Native American, Indigenous Persons, Alaskan Natives
  • Native Hawaiian, Asian, Pacific Islanders

Underserved Populations:

  • Economically disadvantaged 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 & emergent bilinguals
  • Youth with disabilities and/or receiving special education
  • Youth emancipating from foster care

Selected definitions from Committee on STEM Education (2013) and Fernandes-Alacantra (2014).