Girls in FIRST, Women in Science
FIRST in Texas, statewide partners, and even robotics teams are working diligently to introduce more girls to STEM fields and give them a place to explore their dreams of changing the world through research, experimentation, and discovery. One of our goals is to help expose the bright minds of girls and young women to the array … Continue reading Girls in FIRST, Women in Science
Putting the S in STEM with FIRST in Texas
FIRST in Texas gives students in the Lone Star State access to an exciting world of education, innovation, and experimentation. It’s more than an extra-curricular activity: it helps young people build their curiosity and their skill set for in-demand careers, including careers in the sciences. Through FIRST programs, students from kindergarten through high school get to … Continue reading Putting the S in STEM with FIRST in Texas
Thank You For Helping FIRST in Texas Create Opportunities for Texas Youth!
When we established FIRST in Texas, we could not have imagined how the community would rally behind our cause in such profound, incredible, and heartwarming ways. We are humbled by the amazing support from the corporate, foundation and individual partners and volunteers who help fuel our mission to build STEM skills and foster self-confidence, communication, and leadership … Continue reading Thank You For Helping FIRST in Texas Create Opportunities for Texas Youth!
A Tribute to Woodie Flowers and His Powerful Idea of ‘Gracious Professionalism’
It’s never easy when a hero leaves us. With the recent death of Woodie Flowers, the FIRST community has been mourning the passing of a legend in STEM innovation and advocacy. Woodie passed away on October 11, 2019 at the age of 75 and is survived by his wife Margaret Flowers, his sister Kay Wells, and … Continue reading A Tribute to Woodie Flowers and His Powerful Idea of ‘Gracious Professionalism’
How STEM Programs Solve the Skills Gap Crisis in the Workforce
The skills gap in the workforce is no joke. It’s a serious issue. Even just a cursory search for the topic online yields a long list of urgently worded headlines about the subject–all published in recent weeks. For example: “Technology and the Talent Shortage” (9/17/19, Workforce) “Workforce summit seeks answers to skills gap” (9/18/19, Hannibal) … Continue reading How STEM Programs Solve the Skills Gap Crisis in the Workforce
Volunteer Spotlight: Volunteer Coordinator
Being a Volunteer Coordinator (VC) is a rewarding experience. You can enjoy the community FIRST volunteer programs create and gain experience in the tasks or skills you love. But what precisely does it mean to be a Volunteer Coordinator with FIRST? We interviewed Joseph Beckman, one of our San Antonio VC’s to learn what the … Continue reading Volunteer Spotlight: Volunteer Coordinator
With Great STEM Power Comes Great Responsibility (And the Need for More Volunteers!)
As FIRST in Texas has matured in its mission and scope, something special has been happening in our state that brings the word power to mind: an expansive, continuous growth in STEM involvement among our youth. If you’re a Spider-Man fan, you’ll know the phrase,”With great power comes great responsibility.” Anyone who has been involved in FIRST programs and … Continue reading With Great STEM Power Comes Great Responsibility (And the Need for More Volunteers!)
FIRST in Texas Grants – Apply! Apply! Apply!
The FIRST in Texas grant opportunity is all about helping kids get access to participate on a FIRST robotics team and related competitions. Early exposure to robotics, especially when it’s fun, is the first step to helping graduating students choose to either join the workforce in a skilled trade or attend college and major in a … Continue reading FIRST in Texas Grants – Apply! Apply! Apply!