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

The 2021-2022 season has begun, and FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) and FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) teams, composed of over 7,000 middle and high school students in hundreds of school districts and communities throughout the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia, have begun the process of registering and preparing for competition.

Thanks to our corporate and community partners, VirginiaFIRST dba FIRST Chesapeake is hard at work planning another year of high-quality STEM education leadership programs.

Here are some highlights:

• Since the spring, FIRST Chesapeake has been holding Town Hall Meetings Sponsored by Accenture Federal Services for teams and volunteers in our District to disseminate information and answer any questions that they may have. These have been very fruitful, with increased understanding and a great exchange of ideas.
• FIRST Chesapeake is hosting FIRST Programs Expos in August and September to showcase FIRST programs and teams to the public, as well as inform people about volunteering or starting a robotics team. The August Expo at the Keystone Antique Truck and Tractor Museum delighted and enlightened many museum-goers, and we expect the Sept. 11th event at the Science Museum of Western Virginia to do the same.
• From August to October FIRST Chesapeake is offering a free three-part series to mentors and volunteers that is designed to help deliver a truly inclusive experience to teams and fellow volunteers. "Conversations for Change" Sponsored by Qualcomm offers strategies to develop healthier and more rewarding experiences for all.
• FIRST Chesapeake is in the process of scheduling FTC and FRC competitions. More news on this in early fall!
• The FTC season will begin September 18^th with the unveiling of this season’s game, FREIGHT FRENZY, at the FTC Kickoff, Game Reveal, and Meet the Field Sponsored by InSource Solutions. The event will take place at three locations in Central VA, Metro DC, and Western MD, with remote viewing available to teams and the public.
• All FIRST program volunteers and potential volunteers are invited to attend a Virtual FIRST Volunteer Town Hall on Sept 21^st, hosted by FIRST Chesapeake. Leadership from FLL Explore, FLL Challenge, FTC, and FRC will be present to give updates and answer questions. A Virtual FIRST Volunteer Open House is scheduled for October for further program-specific discussions.
• The FIRST Chesapeake Chats Sponsored by Newport News Shipbuilding will be back for the 2021-2022 season, bringing more interesting and informative information for the whole FIRST Chesapeake Family in 30-minute increments.

As always, we appreciate the support of individuals, foundations, and corporations who help us continue to do what we do best - build a strong and engaged community of future technology leaders in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Thank you.

Links:

• Homepage
• Calendar of Events
• FIRST Chesapeake YouTube page