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

Title: FIRST Chesapeake 2022-2023 Season: Igniting the Spirit of Innovation

Dear Valued Donors,

We are excited to share the triumphs of the 2022-2023 season, which marked a resounding return to in-person Robotics Competitions. This season brought together over 6,000 students across 367 dynamic teams within the FIRST Chesapeake district, reigniting the spirit of teamwork, collaboration, and innovation.

Our teams have proven yet again 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, gearing up to excel as the STEM and business leaders of tomorrow.

This season also saw an unprecedented number of events, with each of the 25 competitions across Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia attracting dozens of teams. The buzz of excitement and innovation reverberated through school districts, touching thousands of students and strengthening the pathway to STEM education.

Our district teams made us proud on the global stage as well, with 26 teams advancing to the world competition. These tenacious students competed against the finest from over 26 countries, demonstrating resilience, ingenuity, and the drive to excel.

Moreover, FIRST Chesapeake emerged as a global hub for innovation, hosting teams from across the United States and as far away as Puerto Rico and MIT in Massachusetts.

The exceptional work of our teams also garnered the attention of global leaders this year. Notably, English Prime Minister Rishi Sunak visited our teams in Washington DC. Eager to learn more about the importance of STEM education in a technologically advancing world, he engaged in vibrant discussions with our teams and even took the opportunity to operate one of our robots. His experience with FIRST Chesapeake solidified his admiration for hands-on STEM education, commenting on its unmatched value in preparing students for the future. This recognition from a global leader further affirms the significance of our mission and the far-reaching impact of our work.

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