First inspires young people to be science and technology leaders by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering, and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and…

This is a $25,000.00 grant awarded by the NASA Shared Services Center (NSSC) to For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), a non-profit organization based in Manchester, New Hampshire. The grant supports FIRST's mentor-based STEM education programs that engage students in robotics competitions and other hands-on learning activities.

The award is intended to inspire young people to become science and technology leaders by developing their skills in engineering, technology, and innovation. Through the FIRST Robotics Competition, students gain real-world problem-solving experience, access to industry mentors, and an understanding of how their learning applies to potential STEM career pathways. Evaluation data has shown that FIRST participants are more likely to be interested in STEM fields and declare a major in a STEM discipline.

This grant is not associated with a larger contract vehicle, and it does not have a set-aside designation. FIRST is the prime recipient of the award, with no subcontractors mentioned. The grant aligns with NASA's goals of attracting students to STEM fields and inspiring the next generation of the technical workforce.

First inspires young people to be science and technology leaders by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering, and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership. Thrilling robotics competitions such as the buckeye regional leave students with a sense of accomplishment and an understanding that they can do anything with their collective skills, leadership, and confidence, and that their experience will positively impact their future. Through robotics challenges designed to ignite curiosity and encourage exploration, first supports the goals of NASA s robotics alliance project: 1) to increase interest in engineering, technology, science, and mathematics disciplines among youth and 2) to create an inspired, experienced, technical workforce. First programs also promote the NASA strategic goals of attracting students to enter stem fields and to inspire the next generation. Students participating in the first robotics competition program gain: authentic, real-world problem solving through hands-on skill development. Discovery of skills and approaches they will see in industry through mentor interactions. Work-based learning through simulated job roles, where they approach problems to make an impact for the team and their community. Access to industry mentors that guide students in their learning understanding of how their learning applies to student career pathways simulated work experiences providing career preparation and training evaluation data from a multi-year longitudinal study has indicated the following results from first participants: 2.3 times more likely to be interested in stem. 92% of FRC participants are more interested in attending college. 83% of FRC participants are interested in becoming a scientist or engineer. 81% declared a major in a stem field. 90% developed problem solving skills. 90% developed teamwork skills. 85% developed creative thinking. 83% more confident in leadership roles. 78% more confident in time management. 74% more prepared for college courses. 72% gained access to mentors and peers in stem.