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We are dedicated to nurturing the spark of curiosity in young minds. We provide a dynamic platform for students of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to dive into the fascinating world of STEM. Through a wide array of programs, competitions, and hands-on experiences, we empower our participants to:

  • Learn: Our educational programs engage students in practical learning, helping them acquire essential STEM skills, from coding and robotics to engineering and physics.

  • Innovate: We foster a culture of innovation, encouraging participants to think critically, solve real-world problems, and design solutions that can change lives.

  • Collaborate: Teamwork is at the heart of everything we do. FIRST Chesapeake brings together students, mentors, volunteers, and sponsors to create a supportive and inclusive community that thrives on collaboration and diversity.

  • Inspire: Through our events and challenges, we aim to inspire a lifelong passion for STEM, fueling the aspirations of young dreamers who dare to reach for the stars.

FRC team mentors FLL team memb

INSPIRING
TOMORROW'S
INNOVATORS

OUR GOAL

Empowering Youth through STEM

Our Story

Founded on the belief that every child has the potential to change the world, FIRST Chesapeake has been a cornerstone of STEM education since 1999. We are part of the global FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) network, and our roots run deep within the vibrant communities of the Chesapeake region.

FIRST Tech Challenge Students working on their FTC robot in FIRST Chesapeake

Join Us in Shaping the Future

FIRST Chesapeake has made a lasting impact on thousands of lives. We’ve seen students blossom into confident leaders, engineers, and scientists. Our alumni have gone on to pursue careers in STEM fields, shaping the future of innovation and discovery. We take immense pride in knowing that we’ve played a part in their journeys.

Whether you’re a student eager to explore the world of robotics, a mentor looking to share your expertise, or a sponsor passionate about investing in tomorrow’s innovators, FIRST Chesapeake welcomes you with open arms. Together, we can inspire, educate, and shape the future.

Are you ready to be part of the FIRST Chesapeake journey? Let’s inspire tomorrow’s innovators, together.

FIRST Chesapeake students, mentors, and volunteers representing at the World Championship

WHO WE ARE

Meet the Team

FIRST Chesapeake is powered first and foremost by a dedicated community of volunteers. This network of passionate folks play an important role in shaping young minds and inspiring students to achieve. The team below are the only employees of the foundation who partner with our community to inspire the next generation. 

Alex Bryant

Executive

Director

Alex Bryant, Executive Director, FIRST Chesapeake

Shelly Stoddard

Director of 

FTC

Shelly Stoddard, Director of FIRST Tech Challenge in FIRST Chesapeake

Isaiah Marriner

Director of

FRC

Isaiah Marriner, Director of FIRST Robotics Competition in FIRST Chesapeake

PRESS

FIRST in the News

Anne Shade

Director of

Operations

Anne Shade, Director of Operations, FIRST Chesapeake

Amber Driesman

FLL Program Manager

Amber Driesman, FIRST Lego League Explore Maryland Program Manager

Matthew Glennon

Technology

Manager

Matthew Glennon, IT Manager, FIRST Chesapeake

Our Board

Cristie Neller
Cristie Neller

Vice President Administrative Services

BHE GT&S

Dr. Cedric Sims
Dr. Cedric Sims

Senior Vice President, Enterprise Innovation And Integration

MITRE

Bettina Garcia Welsh
Bettina Garcia Welsh

Retired Chief Financial Officer

ICF International

David Greenberg
David Greenberg

Global Vice President, Deal Pursuit and Contract Operations

Sailpoint

Robert Franceschini
Robert Franceschini

Senior Vice President, Deputy Chief Technology Officer

Leidos

Prasad Karunakaran
Prasad Karunakaran

Partner

Coal Forge Tactical

James Kresge
James Kresge

Chief Technology Officer

West Creek Financial

Doug Lawrence
Doug Lawrence

Site Vice President, Surry Power Station

Dominion Energy

Dr. Latitia McCane
Dr. Latitia McCane

Director of Education

The Apprentice School

Scott McKay
Scott McKay

Retired Chief Information Officer And Executive Vice President, Operations And Quality

Genworth Financial

Joe Shepherd
Joe Shepherd

Partner

Guidehouse

Tom Poole
Tom Poole

Senior Vice President of Digital Payments And Identity

 Capital One

Sam Von Paris
Sam Von Paris

Vice President and Treasurer

Von Paris Moving & Storage

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