FIRST

Earth’s oceans are more than what you can see on the horizon. Beneath the surface lies our planet’s most complex ecosystems, full of life and potential for exploration, learning, and innovation. Modern marine technology allows us to gain more immersive knowledge of the ocean’s greatest wonders, but more than 80% of the ocean is still waiting to be explored. How will you use your STEM skills to dive into the unknown and improve life on land and underwater? Join our 2024-2025 ocean-themed robotics season, FIRST DIVE presented by Qualcomm, and uncover the potential in each of us to strengthen our community and innovate for a better world: 🌊 FIRST LEGO League SUBMERGED launches August 6, 2024. 🌊 FIRST Tech Challenge INTO THE DEEP presented by RTX launches September 7, 2024. 🌊 FIRST Robotics Competition REEFSCAPE presented by Gene Haas Foundation launches January 4, 2025. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ejQjgX8W #FIRSTDIVE #SUBMERGED #INTOTHEDEEP #REEFSCAPE

Meet Erin, a FIRST alum and RTX engineer whose passion for STEM, developed through FIRST, opened a world of endless possibilities and inspired a fulfilling career. How have the skills you gained through FIRST helped you on your journey? Share your #GetAnywhere story in the comments and visit https://hubs.ly/Q03c6vW_0 to learn more! #FIRSTAlumni

Hear from FIRST alum Michael as he shares how his experiences with FIRST prepared him for an exciting career in STEM. Now a Plant Manager at Novelis, Michael is leveraging the skills he gained through FIRST to successfully manage projects from start to finish, ensuring sustainability remains at the core of everything he does. We are continuously grateful to Novelis for their passionate support and work to empower students to see how STEM can help them #GetAnywhere. Read Michael’s story: https://hubs.ly/Q03bXc5w0

“Previously, we weren’t given the opportunity to compete in competitions like FIRST LEGO League, but now here we are. We’ve gained a lot from this competition. It has equipped us with problem-solving and research skills, which will benefit us in the future.” – FIRST LEGO League Challenge student Shakillah Uwera FIRST LEGO League students from Groupe Scolaire Institute Filippo Smaldone in Nyamirambo, Africa are on a mission to prove that STEM is for Everyone. The students participated in their third FIRST LEGO League Challenge season this year and took home the Robot Design award, overcoming challenges and proving that with FIRST, you can pursue your dreams and #GetAnywhere. Read more about their inspiring story: https://hubs.ly/Q03bnq7d0

"Higher education is an incredibly important space for students to develop their skills, knowledge, and networks, STEAM or not. I love reading application essays because we get to learn how students see themselves changing the world and how college plays into that vision." FIRST alum and Houston local, Sarah, shares how the STEM skills she learned as a student help her in her daily work as the Assistant Director of Admission at Rice University. Sarah kicks off our series welcoming the FIRST community to Houston, our host city for FIRST Championship 2025. Read more about Sarah, and stay tuned for more great content coming soon about all things Houston: https://hubs.ly/Q03bxgcq0

At FIRST, impact is one of our core values, encouraging students to apply what they know to improve the world. FIRST Tech Challenge team 11212 “The Clueless” uses their STEM skills to make a difference in their local community by developing innovative solutions that allow for more inclusive STEM learning opportunities: “By partnering with NASA and the All Girls STEM Society, we’ve started the first NASA Astro Camp in San Diego where underrepresented kids have the opportunity to meet NASA scientists and experience hands-on activities based on the NASA Astro Camp education modules.”  Read more team spotlights: https://hubs.ly/Q0343r7m0

This week at SXSW, an event comprised of conferences and festivals that celebrate the convergence of tech, film, music, education, and culture, FIRST Founder Dean Kamen took the stage as a key speaker on the panel entitled “A Force for the Greater Good: Visionaries Redefining the Future.” Held at the renowned Fast Company Grill, an exclusive event hosted annually by FastCompany at SXSW, and moderated by Stephanie Mehta, CEO and Chief Content Officer of Mansueto Ventures, the panel brought together forward-thinking leaders who are redefining the skills, technologies, and industries that will shape our world. Dean ignited inspiration throughout the #FCGrill by sharing his leadership in robotics and how FIRST equips students with the foundational skills needed to adapt and thrive in any role, driving home an impactful statement: there will be careers in fields that don’t even exist today, and FIRST will still be there to prepare kids and set them up for success.

The FIRST Charity Auction benefiting the FIRST mission is now live! Bid on unique items and experiences, including signed FIRST memorabilia and exclusives from donors like AndyMark Inc., CrunchLabs, and LEGO Education. Your support ensures students around the world are able to #GetAnywhere with FIRST for generations to come! Auction closes Thursday, March 20 at 10PM ET. Check it out: https://hubs.ly/Q039HL000

“Rule Breakers” hit theaters last week! 🎥 Hear from producer Laura Bilodeau Overdeck on how FIRST inspired her throughout the process of bringing the inspiring true story of the Afghan Dreamers to life on the big screen. Have you seen the film yet? It’s one you don’t want to miss! https://hubs.ly/Q038N2BR0 #RuleBreakersMovie #AfghanDreamers #WomenInSTEM #FIRSTInspires Angel Studios

Corporate Scientist and Chief Science Advocate at FIRST Strategic Partner 3M, Jayshree Seth, is passionate about interdisciplinary thinking and creating new ways to make lives better. With over 80 patents to her name, she has worked on developing products that are more intuitive than ever before, whether it is household products such as diaper fasteners or industrial products such as adhesives for bonding parts. Now an author and featured in a docuseries, Jayshree proves that STEM skills, scientific advocacy, and the desire to make a difference can take you to new heights. Learn more about Jayshree: https://hubs.ly/Q039XGv60 #PeopleofSTEAM