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

FIRST Chesapeake has had a year like no other and we're proud to share an update on activities for the second half of 2020. Hybrid competitions for both FIRST Tech Challenge and FIRST Robotics Competition in DC. Maryland and Virginia will allow teams the opportunity to feature their accomplishments on the field from the end of January through the end of March 2021 We have been amazed by the resourcefulness and resiliency of our team members and mentors and continue to offer virtual programming in support of their efforts. On behalf of the FIRST Chesapeake staff, board, teams and volunteers, we thank you for your continused support of our programs.

Here are some of the highlights from June through December 2020.

• Since spring 2020, FIRST Chesapeake has hosted dozens of episodes of the FIRST Chesapeake Chats Sponsored by Newport News Shipbuilding—these 30-minute live episodes with Q&A feature topics that range from insider tips from FTC and FRC teams and mentors, to highlighting cool careers in STEM, to discussions with judges and head refs to encourage success at competitions.
• In July 2020, FIRST Chesapeake expanded to bring FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) teams in DC and Maryland under the FIRST Chesapeake umbrella, making those DC and Maryland teams now eligible for programs such as the FIRST Chesapeake Women in STEM Scholarships Sponsored by Dominion Energy and the Alumni Ambassador Team Grants Sponsored by Booz Allen Hamilton.
• In August 2020 FIRST Chesapeake welcomed two new part-time employees, Rose Young and Prasad Karunakaran, to support the FTC teams and mentors in DC and Maryland.
• In October 2020 hosted the first-ever completely virtual FTC Kickoff Event Sponsored by InSource Solutions with robotics demonstrations provided from two remote locations by FIRST Chesapeake FTC teams.
• In October 2020 FIRST Chesapeake launched the 2021 Reaching for the Stars: Women in STEM Scholarships Sponsored by Dominion Energy—over 60 outstanding young women applied for these scholarships which will be awarded at the February 2, 2021 Reaching for the Stars: Outstanding Women in STEM Breakfast Sponsored by Leidos.
• In October 2020, FIRST Chesapeake launched the “Geared Up!” program—complete at-home robotics kits, curriculum and trained mentors—to provide quality STEM opportunities for middle and high school students stuck at home during COVID-19 school closures. FIRST Chesapeake is pleased to partner with community and corporate partners such as Qualcomm, The Community Foundation of Richmond, NextUp RVA, Memorial Foundation for Children, and Booz Allen Hamilton to make these kits and curriculum available for under-resourced schools in DC, Maryland and Virginia.
• In November 2020, FIRST Chesapeake kicked off the five-part series “Today’s Women in STEM: Cool Jobs Series Sponsored by Leidos”—this live-broadcast series features female engineers, scientists and technology experts working for FIRST Chesapeake corporate partners such as Canon Virginia, Leidos, Dominion Energy and Accenture Federal—episodes are broadcast live with audience Q&A and archived on the FIRST Chesapeake YouTube channel.
• In January and February 2021 FIRST Chesapeake will host three professional development workshops for current and potential mentors and volunteers: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion for Mentors Serving Youth and New Mentor Training, presented in partnership with MENTOR Virginia and funded through the Alumni Ambassador Program Sponsored by Booz Allen Hamilton.
• In December 2020, welcomed the 2021 Cohort of the Alumni Ambassador Program Sponsored by Booz Allen Hamilton—this program provides professional development and mentor and volunteer training for FIRST alumni living in the FIRST Chesapeake District to inspire recently graduated alumni to serve the program after graduation--$20,000 in team grants will be awarded through the program again in 2021.
• In February 2021, FIRST Chesapeake will present the Reaching for the Stars: Outstanding Women in STEM Award Sponsored by Leidos to Lyn McDermid, the first woman ever to attend the Apprentice School at Newport News Shipbuilding and who rose to lead as the Chief Information Officer at Dominion Resources and, later, at the Richmond Federal Reserve. Join us for the third annual Women in STEM (Virtual) Breakfast Sponsored by Leidos by registering here.

Links:

• Today's Women in STEM Sponsored by Leidos
• View from All Sides

• Impact Statement FY20 (PDF)