FIRST is an inclusive robotics community that prepare young people for the future. Whether it is finding their people or finding their path, students gain the skills and courage to forge ahead with FIRST.
The Inspire the Future: FIRST Recognition Schools program raises up U.S.-based K-12 schools based upon educator and student engagement in FIRST programs, the embodiment of FIRST Core Values, and demonstrating a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. FIRST wants to help our community learn effective implementation strategies and share best practices to bring FIRST to more students.
Recognized schools undergo an application process requiring detailed documentation that a panel of reviewers will review to select the schools whose applications embodied FIRST.
Awards based on point system per section on the application:
- FIRST Recognized school (200+ points)
Award Recipients will be recognized and receive a FIRST Inspire the Future banner for their school.
Recognized schools and districts will be posted on the FIRST website with the school program, description, pictures, video links, etc. To learn more about this program, please visit (insert website page)
The 2024-2025 school year application window is January 27 - February 21, 2025.
Teachers are a vital part of the FIRST community. They work in the classroom and afterschool to mentor and coach teams, help organize and volunteer for FIRST events in their schools and communities, and advocate for FIRST programs in their districts. This Recognition Program honors our commitment to recognizing the outstanding work of educators in the FIRST community and is inspired by the powerful ethos of “Teacher in Space” Christa McAuliffe, who famously said, “I touch the future. I teach.” Recognized educators will have the opportunity to participate in a Year of Inspiration. During this tenure, they will serve as a FIRST Educator Ambassador; their work and thought leadership will be shared prominently on FIRST digital properties, they will be presented with opportunities to participate in media interviews and key FIRST events, and more.
If chosen, the Year of Inspiration will occur throughout the year (May 2025 – April 2026); members in the cohort will have the opportunity to:
- Create new FIRST activities for FIRST at Home
- Guest author blog posts to be featured on the FIRST Inspires website
- Present at FIRST Championship Conference
- Meet virtually as a community of practice to network and learn from each other
- Media opportunities, for example, webinars or interviews
- Other activities chosen and designed by cohort teachers
Please complete all required information to submit your application successfully
Site: https://info.firstinspires.org/inspire-the-future