2023 - 2024
Impact
Empowering the Next Generation of STEM Innovators. Celebrating growth, community, and the future of STEM education in DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
Our Mission
FIRST Chesapeake provides life-changing robotics programs that give young people in DC, Maryland, and Virginia the skills, confidence, and resilience to build a better world.
Gender
Race & Ethnicity
Socio-economic
Demographics
Highlights
.jpg)
Teams
477 FTC & FRC teams impacting 6,479 students across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Through mentor-based, student-driven STEM programs, students gained critical skills in not only robotics, but leadership, teamwork, communication, and collaboration.
FRC Teams
0
FTC Teams
0
Students
0
.png)
Skill & Career Readiness
FIRST Chesapeake doesn’t just build robots; it builds futures. Our students gain vital workforce skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving that prepare them for college and STEM careers. In fact, by their fourth year of college, FIRST alumni are more likely to be majoring in STEM fields than their peers
More than Robots
Student Success
-
90% gains in communication
-
93% gains in conflict resolution
-
95% gains in time management
-
94% gains in problem-solving
Alumni Success
-
81% of FIRST alumni declare a major in STEM fields.
-
59% declare a major in Engineering or Computer Science, compared to 24% in the comparison group.
-
Women in FIRST are 3.5 times more likely to pursue engineering or computer science than their non-FIRST peers.
Our Initiatives
Our Women in STEM program highlighted the achievements of talented young women through scholarships, mentorship, and opportunities to showcase their work on national platforms.
In FY24:
-
Four women received scholarships, and eight semifinalists were recognized for their contributions to STEM.
-
Scholarship winners presented at the World Championship in Houston, advocating for increased female participation in STEM
Women in STEM
.png)
The Geared Up Program supports new and coaches through mentorship, resources, and hands-on training. Designed to lower barriers for coaches in underserved areas, it provides access to expert guidance and essential tools.
In FY24:
-
Five new coaches joined the program, gaining access to a cohort of peers and a network of over 500 veteran mentors.
-
Participants received competition-ready Kits of Parts delivered directly to their teams, simplifying the start-up process.
Geared Up FTC
The Mentor Conference empowers mentors with the skills and insights and equips them with the tools and community support needed to guide and inspire the next generation of STEM leaders.
In FY24:
-
Participants gained access to expert-led sessions on fundraising, transitioning between programs, and sustainable mentorship.
-
Networking opportunities allowed mentors to connect, share experiences, and build lasting relationships.
Mentor Development
Virginia State University
Virginia State University hosted the FRC Championship in 2024, bringing high-energy competitions to the Petersburg area.
This collaboration spurred the creation of new STEM hubs, aiming to provide resources and mentorship for all FIRST programs in underserved communities around the hub.
Google.Org
Through a generous grant, Google.org is the driving force behind the Geared Up FTC program, supporting new coaches and teams from Title 1 schools. In addition, Google.org is piloting the new STEM Mosaic equity program, which focuses on increasing diverse representation within FIRST Chesapeake by providing targeted resources and opportunities for marginalized students.
Booz Allen Hamilton
Booz Allen Hamilton’s commitment to FIRST Chesapeake shines through their support of the Alumni Ambassador Program. This initiative engages former participants as mentors and event volunteers, leveraging their experience to give back to the community. Booz Allen Hamilton’s involvement ensures that alumni remain connected, active, and influential within the FIRST Chesapeake network.
Aramco Americas
A leading partner in mentor development, Aramco Americas proudly supports the Geared Up Mentor Conference, providing mentors with vital training and networking opportunities. Additionally, Aramco Americas is instrumental in the expansion of the FIRST LEGO League Explore program into Maryland, ensuring that younger students are introduced to robotics and STEM learning at an early stage.
Your contributions directly fund the growth of our programs, allowing us to reach and support students from underserved communities, ensuring that every child has access to STEM education.
Funding Growth
Volunteers are essential to our mission. They help run events, mentor students, and foster a love for STEM, ensuring the next generation of innovators has the guidance and support they need.
Empowering Volunteers
Our partners provide critical resources, training, and opportunities that expand our reach and enhance our programs, enabling us to create a more significant impact in the community.
Resource Partners
Your support helps us engage the broader community in STEM initiatives. This engagement fosters a culture of learning and collaboration, benefiting students, families, and local businesses alike.
STEM Community
Alumni Ambassadors
21 Alumni Ambassadors focused on event volunteerism and mentorship scores our District $19K in grants delivered to FTC and FRC teams in our District. 6 teams are from Title 1, rural, or located in an underserved area
$19,000 in grants delivered
3 Ambassadors focused on special projects including data analysis to identify teams in need, team clusters, and veteran and rookie team partnership opportunities. Additionally, they helped with Salesforce implementation to better capture, retain, and communicate with teams and volunteers.
Alumni Supporting Growth
Over 1000+ hours of volunteer service equalling over $35,000 in volunteer labor equivalent costs. Expanded outreach to include 950 new alumni across the District to engage with events, teams, and partners
1000+ Hours of Service
“I am so grateful to have received the Women in STEM scholarship from FIRST Chesapeake. This scholarship is a form of recognition for all women in STEM, showing that our goals and future careers in a STEM field are not only supported but encouraged. For me personally, receiving this scholarship shows the dedication and effort I have put into building up a community for young girls in FIRST and STEM overall has not gone unnoticed. This scholarship and the words of the speakers at the breakfast serve as reminders to continue challenging the norm and developing my own knowledge and innovative ideas. “
Kavya S.