World We Imagine Part 3

FOR INSPIRATION AND RECOGNITION OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (FIRST)

Intro:

As a Mechanical Engineering major at USC, I really wanted to use my gifts to give back to the surrounding community. My freshman year, I joined a joined an organization at USC called SCout in which students go to local underprivileged elementary schools surrounding USC and host science lessons and lab experiments to spark an interest in STEM for the students. After being involved in this club and witnessing the impact this had on the youth firsthand, I think supporting organizations that do this work on a global scale would revolutionize the world. That is why I am pitching the nonprofit company FIRST. For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, or FIRST, is, "the world's leading youth-serving nonprofit for STEM education." In order to make the world a better place, people of all ethnicities and backgrounds need to have access to education in order to get a college education and a good job. However, students from underprivileged areas do not have access to the same resources as other students, especially in STEM. According to a study by After School Alliance, for every kid who was in an afterschool STEM program, 3 kids were trying get into one. Also, according to the book Science by Stealth, 75% of people who won the Nobel Prize said that their original passion for science came from learning outside of the classroom. 

About FIRST

FIRST has research and robotics programs for students ranging from Preschool to 12th grade. The organization targets communities with students from underrepresented backgrounds to ensure that all students have the opportunities to learn about STEM. FIRST is a mentor-based program where students have the support of teachers and volunteers who are knowledgeable in the field to guide them in their endeavors. Additionally, the programs are team-based where students will be able to build their teamwork and communication skills to help prepare them for higher education and work. At the end of the season, there is a showcase and competitions where students can display what they have worked on and learned. In the 2019-2020 school year, FIRST had approximately 679,000 students involved. FIRST is also leaving a global impact with programs in around 110 countries. Also out of all their students, 81% end up student STEM majors in college and 83% feel confident in taking leadership roles in school.

Partnerships

In 2016, FIRST started working on the FIRST STEM Equity Community Innovation Grants. These grants ranging from $5,000-$50,000 are given to schools and organizations like FIRST who are helping the youth with STEM education. These grants are specifically given to locations that are underrepresented and in major need of help. They also have grant partnerships with YMCA, Girl Scouts, and 4-H in order to help all youth programs. Another additional fact to note is that over 200 of Fortune 500 companies sponsor FIRST.

Why Would AMDP Support?

FIRST would be an excellent target for AMDP because it is very successful at achieving the Triple Bottom Line. FIRST is a program which provides education to students from underprivileged and underrepresented backgrounds. Out of all the students involved, 42% are Hispanic/Latinx and 32% are African American/Black. Additionally, it is an international organization helping students in over 110 countries around the world. Aside from the pandemic, FIRST has expanded and reached more countries each year which translates to financial success. Additionally, since their work is so meaningful and powerful to the economy, they received hundreds of sponsors including 200 of the Fortune 500 companies. Lastly, by increasing STEM education globally, the world as a whole will be much more educated which will directly lead to more developments in environmental sustainability.

Sources

“Bringing Stem Engagement to Disadvantaged Youth through Community-Based Organizations.” FIRST, 28 May 2020, www.firstinspires.org/stories/bringing-stem-engagement-disadvantaged-youth.

“Impact.” FIRST, 4 Nov. 2019, www.firstinspires.org/about/impact.

“Vision and Mission.” FIRST, 30 June 2021, www.firstinspires.org/about/vision-and-mission.

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