Empowering Future Innovators with FIRST 

FIRST has impressive stats that demonstrate the effectiveness of their programs: 

• 81% of FIRST Alumni declare majors in STEM

• 68% enter Engineering or Computer Science Majors

• 83% of FIRST Alumni have confidence to take leadership roles in school

• Female FIRST Alumni are 3.4x more likely to take courses in Computer Science

• FIRST Students are 2x more likely to show an increase in STEM-related attitudes and interest than comparison group students regardless of race, gender, income or community type.

• After participating in FIRST programs:

  • 90% of students reported gains in Communication

  • 93% of students reported gains in Conflict Resolution

  • 95% of students reported gains in Time Management

  • 94% of students reported gains in Problem Solving

Essential Skills Students Build with FIRST

• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving - Students learn to analyze complex challenges, break them down, and devise effective solutions. 

• Collaboration - Working in teams, students develop the ability to share ideas, contribute to group efforts, and achieve common goals. 

• Adaptability - Participants gain the flexibility to adjust to new information, unexpected obstacles, and changing project requirements. 

• Innovative Thinking - Students are encouraged to think creatively, experiment with new ideas, and develop original solutions. 

• Entrepreneurship - Through project development and problem-solving, students cultivate a mindset of initiative, resourcefulness, and value creation. 

• Communication - Students enhance their ability to articulate ideas clearly, listen actively, and present their work effectively to diverse audiences. 

A FIRST Alum's Perspective 

Simply put, my seven years in FIRST changed my life. Being part of these teams has introduced me to great friends, given me an introduction to the STEM field that was otherwise unheard of in the area, and fostered a love of programming and computer science that has shaped my path to college and beyond. Through competitions I learned the importance of communicating with team members, how to manage and organize time effectively, and what it really takes to be a good leader. FIRST prioritizes values that instill students with a unique blend of professionalism and competition and has helped shape countless students into leaders and learners. The opportunities I have had, all thanks to the FIRST organization, have been once in a lifetime, and were crucial in getting me to where I am today.   

Gavin T., FIRST Alum

FIRST  Programs Available at the Innovation Station