FIRST

Earth’s oceans are more than what you can see on the horizon. Beneath the surface lies our planet’s most complex ecosystems, full of life and potential for exploration, learning, and innovation. Modern marine technology allows us to gain more immersive knowledge of the ocean’s greatest wonders, but more than 80% of the ocean is still waiting to be explored. How will you use your STEM skills to dive into the unknown and improve life on land and underwater? Join our 2024-2025 ocean-themed robotics season, FIRST DIVE presented by Qualcomm, and uncover the potential in each of us to strengthen our community and innovate for a better world: ?? FIRST LEGO League SUBMERGED launches August 6, 2024. ?? FIRST Tech Challenge INTO THE DEEP presented by RTX launches September 7, 2024. ?? FIRST Robotics Competition REEFSCAPE presented by Gene Haas Foundation launches January 4, 2025. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ejQjgX8W #FIRSTDIVE #SUBMERGED #INTOTHEDEEP #REEFSCAPE

ICYMI: We recently launched #GetAnywhere, a campaign to raise awareness about how FIRST helps students build critical skills and discover pathways to successful careers. By starting with FIRST, students can “go pro” and get anywhere. Learn more: https://hubs.ly/Q02RdzYJ0

Join us tomorrow (10/17) at 7PM ET on the FIRST Instagram channel (@first_official_) for a live #GetAnywhere conversation with host Jay Flores and Jayshree Seth, Chief Science Advocate and Corporate Scientist at 3M. Jayshree grew up in India on the campus of one of the oldest and most prestigious engineering institutes in the country, where her father was a professor. Encouraged by her parents to pursue STEM and inspired to help others and improve lives, she now holds a master’s degree and PhD in Chemical Engineering from Clarkson University and joined 3M in 1993. She was appointed 3M’s first ever Chief Science Advocate in 2018 and is using her scientific knowledge, technical expertise, and professional experience to advance science and communicate the importance of diversity in STEM fields to drive innovation. Listen in as Jay and Jayshree discuss how Jayshree’s early exposure to STEM helped to shape her career path, the important work that 3M and FIRST are doing together, and how students’ participation in FIRST today can help them get anywhere tomorrow. Have questions? Drop them below! ??

Our new campaign, “Get Anywhere,” was designed to raise awareness of the breadth of career opportunities that an education in STEM provides. Today’s students are inspired by FIRST to build futures tailored to their unique talents and interests – in diverse fields from engineering to art, pursued through pathways such as higher education or skills-based training. With support from 3M, Molex, Novelis, and Optimum, the #GetAnywhere campaign addresses the STEM-skills gap and encourages students everywhere to start here – with FIRST. Together, we are showcasing FIRST prepares young people for STEM careers. Learn more: https://hubs.ly/Q02S9gh-0

The breadth of career opportunities that an education in STEM provides is wider than ever. Today’s students are inspired by FIRST to build futures tailored to their unique talents and interests – in diverse fields from engineering to art, pursued through pathways such as higher education and skills-based training. FIRST is thrilled to announce the launch of “Get Anywhere,” a campaign to grow awareness of how FIRST prepares young people for anything they choose to do after high school. While students figure out their tomorrows, help them build their skills today. Start with FIRST and #GetAnywhere. Learn more: https://hubs.ly/Q02RdgVv0

Do you know an educator in your community with an outstanding commitment to FIRST who deserves to be recognized? What about an entire school that deserves to be celebrated? We recently launched the 2025 Inspire the Future: FIRST Recognition Program and are currently accepting nominations through December 6! Learn more about the Program and how to submit nominations for educators and schools: https://hubs.ly/Q02y8R7c0 #InspireTheFuture

Gracious Professionalism isn’t just an ethos that FIRST students, coaches, mentors, and volunteers embody, it’s also one that FIRST sponsors strive to live by each day. FIRST Strategic Partner and FIRST LEGO League Challenge Division Sponsor Rockwell Automation is sharing why they believe it’s important for students to learn about Gracious Professionalism. What would you add? #WalkLikeWoodie #thatsGP

In celebration of #WalkLikeWoodie Day and in recognition of Woodie’s impact on the FIRST community through his exemplary displays of Gracious Professionalism, we asked students on FIRST teams in San Diego sponsored by #FIRSTDIVE season sponsor Qualcomm what Gracious Professionalism means to them. What does GP mean to you? Share your answers below ?? #thatsGP

“It was an honor to have known Woodie throughout his remarkable life and to work closely with him to further the mission of FIRST. Woodie contributed many great things to FIRST over three decades, but his legacy of Gracious Professionalism has long been part of the ethos of FIRST. Gracious Professionalism is a value that will live on indefinitely as our community continues to Walk Like Woodie. Woodie was a friend to all, and his memory will continue to be an inspiration to our students, alumni, volunteers, sponsors, and staff for many more years to come.” – Dean Kamen, Founder, FIRST Join us in honoring the late Dr. Woodie Flowers today during Walk Like Woodie Day. Share your photos, thoughts, and tributes with #WalkLikeWoodie and examples of Gracious Professionalism with #thatsGP!

Coined by the late Dr. Woodie Flowers, Gracious Professionalism is an integral part of the ethos of FIRST. It’s a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community. In honor of Woodie, his contributions to FIRST, and the fifth anniversary of his passing, we are asking the FIRST community to share their examples of Gracious Professionalism during #WalkLikeWoodie Day on October 11. ?????? Screenshot the photo frame (or download from the link below) to add your own demonstrations of GP and use the hashtag #thatsGP when you share on social: https://hubs.ly/Q02L7rWV0