Youth Robotics Programs in DC, MD, VA - FIRST Rob

Dear Friends,

We are thrilled to share the highlights and successes of the 2023-2024 season, a year marked by continued growth and significant achievements. This season, we united over 5,800 students across nearly 375 teams within the FIRST Chesapeake district, reinvigorating the spirit of teamwork, collaboration, and innovation.

Our teams have once again demonstrated that they're not just building advanced robots; they're building a future. The FIRST values of collaboration, community engagement, and peer leadership were deeply embodied. These students aren't merely participants in a competition; they're young entrepreneurs leading their own miniature start-ups, preparing to excel as the STEM and business leaders of tomorrow.

This season saw a record number of events, with 23 District events and 2 Championships across Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. The excitement and innovation spread through school districts, inspiring thousands of students and strengthening the pathway to STEM education.

Our district teams shone on the global stage as well, with numerous teams advancing to world competitions. These determined students competed against the best from over 30 countries, showcasing resilience, ingenuity, and the drive to excel.

Moreover, FIRST Chesapeake continued to be a global hub for innovation, welcoming with our teams showcasing their excellence to alumni from the Indian Institute of Technology.

Key Achievements:

1. Teams Served: Through partnerships with educational institutions, community organizations, and industry associations, FIRST Chesapeake broadened the pipeline of student talent entering STEM fields. Nearly 375 teams participated in 23 District events and 2 Championships, impacting over 5,800 students across DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
2. Schools Impacted: Your generous support helped make key events possible, including the FRC District Championship at Virginia State University. Your contributions impacted 228 high schools and 32 middle schools, broadening the reach of our programs.
3. Community Connections Made: Over 70 alumni attended our events, fostering networking and volunteerism. Coaches and alumni also connected with education, fundraising, technical, and nonprofit experts at the inaugural Geared Up Mentor Conference in Laurel, MD, on May 11, 2024, empowering our community to advance their careers and enhance their skills.
4. Diversity and Inclusion Promoted: Our commitment to diversity and inclusion led to 17 teams receiving the Alumni Ambassador grant, impacting 420+ students across our district. This includes 6 FTC teams, 11 FRC teams, 4 rural teams, 2 rookie teams, and 1 Title I team. Seven teams receiving funds are now mentoring new teams.

Your support impacted our community supporting 30% female participation as mentors, alumni, and team members, 54% students of color, and 13% students on free and reduced lunch.

Future Goals:

1. Expansion of Educational Partnerships: FIRST Chesapeake will continue collaborating with educational institutions to expand access to STEM education and create pathways for diverse students to succeed in STEM careers. We aim to increase scholarship opportunities and participation of female students and students of color in our programs.
2. Enhanced Team Support and Accessibility: We will strengthen mentorship and team support programs to provide ongoing guidance, overcome barriers, increase access and equity, and help teams achieve their professional goals through various targeted programs.
3. Community Outreach and Engagement: We will deepen engagement through outreach programs and volunteer initiatives, integrating AI-focused education, technology information sessions, and cybersecurity offerings to equip our community for success in the Age of AI.

Additional FIRST Chesapeake Achievements:

Alumni Ambassador Program:

• 21 Alumni Ambassadors focused on volunteerism and mentorship.
• $19K in grants delivered to FTC and FRC teams, including 6 teams from Title I, rural, or underserved areas.
• Over 1000+ hours of volunteer service, equating to over $35,000 in labor costs.
• Expanded outreach to include 950 new alumni across the district.

Geared Up Program:

• 5 new FTC teams comprised of 75 students from Title I middle schools.
• Fiscal support for team startup costs.
• Bridged FLL to FTC program, supporting team creation, including an all-female FTC team.
• Pilot program for 2024-2025 located near Virginia State University.

Geared Up Mentor Conference:

• 100+ in-person attendees and 1000+ virtual participants.
• Presentations from industry experts.
• Mentor-focused sessions on various topics, fostering community and network building.

We sincerely thank each of you for your continued support in driving this mission forward. Together, we're igniting curiosity, fostering innovation, and building the skills and capabilities of tomorrow's leaders. Here's to another successful year of learning, growing, and innovating!

Warm regards,

Alex Bryant
Executive Director
FIRST Chesapeake

Links:

• 2024 Geared Up Mentor Conference
• Geared Up Mentor Cohort
• Google Announces Robotics and AI Education Grant in Virginia

We are halfway through our current season for FIRST Chesapeake, with our FIRST Tech Challenge season wrapping and our FIRST Robotics Competition about to begin.

Key Highlights:

We are thrilled to announce the resounding success of the FTC Championship held at Battlefield High School! With a total of 54 teams competing, the atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm, dedication, and impressive displays of robotic ingenuity.

Amidst fierce competition, five outstanding teams have emerged victorious and secured their spots at the prestigious Worlds in Houston, Texas this Spring. Heartiest congratulations to Teams 7393, 19818, 19458, 20123, and 1112 for their exceptional performances and well-deserved advancement to the global stage.

This accomplishment not only reflects the hard work and perseverance of these remarkable teams but also highlights the collective spirit of innovation and collaboration within our robotics community. As these teams prepare to represent FIRST Chesapeake on the international stage, we celebrate their achievements and look forward to witnessing their continued success at the Worlds in Houston. Kudos to all participants, mentors, and organizers for contributing to the success of this memorable FTC Championship!

Programs for 2023-2024:

FIRST Technical Challenge (FTC): FTC offers students hands-on experience in STEM learning and competition. They design, build, and program robots, participating in fun and educational activities. Your financial support is critical for covering the costs of supplies and equipment.

• 15 FTC Qualifiers held during the 2023-2024 FTC Season featuring 255 teams, 3,835 students, over 500 mentors, and 1,500 volunteers. 

FIRST Robotics Challenge (FRC): FRC is an electrifying competition season where high school students face engineering challenges. They design, build, and operate robots to accomplish various tasks. This competitive environment ignites students' passion for engineering and provides a platform for showcasing their skills. Volunteers play a crucial role, making this an excellent opportunity to give back to the community.

• 7 FRC Events are scheduled for the 2024 season plus 2 pre-event scrimmages for teams to practice. 

Geared Up: Emerging Mentor Cohort: In addition to our flagship programs, we are excited to continue the inaugural cohort of "Geared Up: Emerging Mentor Cohort." This program is designed to build a network of rookie FTC mentors and provide them with a structured onboarding process, professional development, and a year-long preseason experience, including a Spring Scrimmage. Mentors have been meeting since last fall and are working hard on their planning for the spring scrimmage. 

Geared Up: Mentor Conference (May 11, 2024): This conference will bring together over 200 mentors, educators, and industry leaders who are passionate about advancing STEM education and preparing the next generation of talent for the challenges of the 21st century. The conference will feature workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, all geared toward empowering mentors with the knowledge and tools they need to inspire and guide students effectively.

Women in STEM Scholarships: Our annual Women in STEM Scholarships, sponsored by Dominion Energy, will be awarded to three exceptional high school juniors and seniors identifying as women and currently registered with a FIRST team in the FIRST Chesapeake District (FTC or FRC). Dr. Satyapal was recognized as our Woman in STEM of the Year for her work with the Department of Energy. 

FIRST Alumni Ambassador Program: The FIRST Chesapeake Alumni Ambassador program continues to connect alumni of the FIRST Robotics Competition with the next generation of FIRST Robotics Competition teams. These mentors and role models guide and support teams as they prepare for competition. This program ensures that teams compete at their best and helps alumni stay connected to the FIRST community.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support. Together, we can keep inspiring and empowering the students of FIRST Chesapeake for the remainder of the season. We invite you to join us on this exciting journey, making a profound impact on the future of STEM education and innovation.

Links:

• Women in STEM
• Geared Up Cohort