FIRST Announces 2018 STEM Equity Community Innovation Grant Winners

Twelve Communities Receive Grants to Provide Hands-on Learning and Problem-Solving Opportunities to Underserved and Underrepresented Students


MANCHESTER, N.H. – August 29, 2018 – FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) today announced 12 grants to address inequities in access to science and technology. The grants will support communities with underserved and underrepresented students and help them develop new, innovative approaches to tackle the education gap.

New Vice President of Programs and FIRST TV Episode

Aug 28, 2018 Written by Frank Merrick.

Please join me in welcoming Chris Rake as the new Vice President of Programs at FIRST. And tune in tonight, 8/28 at 7pm ET, for another great episode featuring Matt Pilotte, Electrical Engineering Manager, and me!

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FIRST Tech Challenge Volunteer Resources Jun. 20 2024| 0 KB

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This section contains resources for FIRST Tech Challenge volunteer training and development. Learn more about becoming an FIRST Tech Challenge volunteer or view the complete listing of volunteer opportunities at FIRST. All volunteers must be screened as part of the FIRST Youth Protection Program.

Volunteers must create an account on www.firstinspires.org and apply to the role. Upon application, training can be accessed from within the dashboard. Please follow these instructions to access training through the dashboard. If you have applied for a role but have not received access to the training, please email FTCTrainingSupport@firstinspires.org. A separate confirmation of the role assignment will come at a later date. 

Please visit the General Volunteer Resources page for all the resources and forms you might need to get started volunteering for FIRST. 

To learn more about the different FIRST Tech Challenge volunteer roles, please read:  FIRST Tech Challenge Volunteer Role Descriptions

Control System Advisor
Dean's List Interviewer/Reviewer
Field Reset

Field Supervisor
FIRST Technical Advisor
Game Announcer/Emcee
Inspector
Judge and Judge Advisor
Mentor/Coach
Pit Administration
Queuer
Referee
Scorekeeper
Tournament Director
Volunteer Coordinator
Wi-Fi Technical Advisor
Stay Connected
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Audio/Visual Attendant (Districts Only) May. 10 2024| 0 KB

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The Audio/Visual (A/V) Attendant for FIRST Robotics Competition assists with lighting, sound, and any projections shown during the event. May be asked to help manage the live stream to create an exciting, cohesive experience for web spectators, and create an archive for teams to re-live the event.

**The specific role responsibilities vary by district. Please reach out to your district leadership for specific responsibilities. **

Responsibilities

  • Wear safety glasses as directed by the Event Manager or FTA
  • Set-up and take down all audio and visual needs for the event
  • Create an exciting experience for online spectators
  • Switch between available video feeds to create cohesive, exciting story

Experience and Skills Needed

  • FIRST experience not required, but preferred
  • Minimum age: 13
  • Basic knowledge of the competition game, rules of play, and flow of an event
  • Experience with equipment necessary to perform required duties in a professional manner.  This may be specifically spelled out in the contract.
  • Work and interact with volunteers, team members and students, and other contracted staff
  • Basic technical skills (computer proficiency)
  • Strong communication skills and an eye for detail
  • Ability to collaborate with others, work as a member of a team
  • Ability to stay focused and concentrated

Volunteer Time Commitment

  • Minimum 2.5 full day commitment (Districts)


Note: Event schedules vary. Please check the event schedule and talk to your District Leadership for detailed information on when you are expected to arrive. 

 

Reporting Relationships and Supervision

  • Direct Supervision and On-Site Support: Event Manager

* Must read and comply with the Volunteer Handbook.

 

 

Chris Rake

Chris Rake
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, FIRST®

Chris Rake is Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of FIRST®, the world’s leading youth-serving nonprofit advancing STEM. He leads daily operations of FIRST to drive forward its global community, which is dedicated to preparing young people for the future through engaging, team-based research and robotics programs that inspire young leaders and innovators.

Rake joined FIRST in 2018 as Vice President of Programs. Bringing an impressive background in leadership and technical excellence, and a passion for FIRST, he’s championed the growth of the progression of  FIRST programs worldwide and led the team responsible for strategic planning and development of overall program content and experience.

Prior to joining FIRST, Rake served as a Chief Engineer at NI, a FIRST Strategic Partner. He led complex cross-team architectures and initiatives in the areas of Data Acquisition, Embedded Control, and Industrial Systems. As part of the role, Rake also managed and owned the FIRST® Robotics Competition control system program for over ten years, commencing with the inaugural NI FIRST Robotics Competition controller that started development in 2007. Rake also volunteers for various referee, judge, and coaching roles across FIRST programs. 

Rake received his bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, with Highest Honor, from the Georgia Institute of Technology. 

More Chances to Work at FIRST

Aug 22, 2018 Written by Frank Merrick.

We have lots of openings here at FIRST! Come join our team!

Fundraising and Sponsor Thanks

Aug 17, 2018 Written by Frank Merrick.

Did you know that FIRST has a fundraising toolkit to help you raise the money you need for your team? Plus, public or public charter school teachers in the USA should check out the latest opportunities at DonorsChoose.org! And once you get the support you need, be sure to thank your generous sponsors!

FIRST Alumni Group: FIRST Alumni at University of Tennessee Knoxville

Aug 14, 2018 Written by FIRST Alum: Josh Witt

FIRST in Big Orange Country: Staying Involved with FIRST in College

Reminders, Reminders...

Aug 13, 2018 Written by Frank Merrick.

Be sure to check out the training modules available on our website! Plus get those game concepts and Name the Planet submissions in! FIRST TV will be checking in with the FIRST LEGO League staff at 7pm ET on 8/14!