VirginiaFIRST

Mission FIRST Chesapeake inspires and empowers young people in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. to become leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through mentor-based robotics programs that foster innovation, resilience, and career-ready skills. We aim to break down barriers to STEM education by expanding access for students in underrepresented, rural, and underserved communities, ensuring every young person has the opportunity to explore their potential and shape the future. Vision We envision a region where every student-regardless of background or zip code-has access to high-quality STEM programming that equips them to thrive in school, in the workforc... read more Mission FIRST Chesapeake inspires and empowers young people in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. to become leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through mentor-based robotics programs that foster innovation, resilience, and career-ready skills. We aim to break down barriers to STEM education by expanding access for students in underrepresented, rural, and underserved communities, ensuring every young person has the opportunity to explore their potential and shape the future. Vision We envision a region where every student-regardless of background or zip code-has access to high-quality STEM programming that equips them to thrive in school, in the workforce, and in life. Our goal is to become the leading STEM program provider and trusted partner across Virginia, Maryland, and D.C., using competition-based robotics, classroom models, and community-based outreach to build a pipeline of confident, capable STEM leaders. Our Core Values Access: We are committed to ensuring that all students, especially those from marginalized or underserved backgrounds, have access to transformative STEM experiences. Innovation: We embrace creativity, curiosity, and new ideas-from our students and within our own programs. Coopertition® and Gracious Professionalism®: Rooted in FIRST's guiding principles, we foster collaboration, respect, and kindness, even in competitive environments. Mentorship and Partnership: We believe learning happens best in community. We empower mentors, educators, and volunteers to become STEM champions, and we work with schools, nonprofits, and industry to scale our impact. Future-Readiness: Our programs don't just build robots-they build life skills. We prepare young people for jobs that don't exist yet, in industries that haven't been invented. Short-Term Goals (2025-2026) Expand Access and Reach Launch new school-based and community robotics teams in Title I schools and underserved rural regions. Increase the number of mentors supported through our Geared Up training program, especially in non-technical roles using AI tools. Pilot in-school and hybrid robotics programs to meet the needs of students who may not be able to join after school teams. Enhance Events and Community Engagement Produce high-quality, high-energy robotics events that reflect the excitement of STEM and are accessible to a broader audience. Increase engagement through initiatives like student-led podcasts, TikToks, and scavenger hunts that celebrate teams, partners, and volunteers. Long-Term Goals (2026 and Beyond) STEM Equity for Every Student Ensure that every student in Virginia, Maryland, and D.C. has access to at least one form of STEM engagement-whether through a competition team, a classpack, or a community partner. Partner with school districts, community organizations, and municipalities to embed robotics into core K-12 education. Regional Leadership in STEM Programming Position FIRST Chesapeake as the go-to partner for youth workforce readiness initiatives across the region, with a focus on skills-aligned credentials and industry connections. Expand our footprint through community-based partnerships, including collaborations with Big Brothers Big Sisters, African American Teaching Fellows, and local youth-serving nonprofits. Sustainable Growth and Innovation Develop a multi-tiered funding strategy that includes an investment policy, long-term endowment planning, and diversified revenue streams. Continue innovating with tools like the STEM AI Mentor and hybrid program delivery to scale our impact while remaining cost-efficient and community-driven.