ED&I

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.

Initiatives and Grants Training and Resources Impact

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

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement

FIRST is committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion. We embrace and encourage differences in race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, income, language, learning difference, or any other characteristics that make our adult-force and students unique.

Exploring, developing and implementing strategies to become more inclusive and ensure access to our programs to all students (as well as access to key supports) is critical for FIRST to reach its goal and mission. ALL young people should have the opportunity to become science and technology leaders. FIRST will remove barriers to program participation for underserved, underrepresented students. Pursuant to that end, FIRST Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion is a concerted, organized effort to develop strategies to make its programs more accessible and inclusive.

We encourage anyone participating with FIRST or attending FIRST related activities or events to report concerns to FIRST Headquarters. Select The FIRST Reporting Portal link which provides a confidential platform to report youth protection concerns, medical incidents, or other issues. All reports are reviewed by trained staff and reporters will receive a follow up response if contact information is provided.

Alternatively, reports may also be filed via email at safetyfirst@firstinspires.org or phone at 603-666-3906 Ext. 250.

Report a Concern