FIRST Washington is committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion. We embrace and encourage differences in race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, income or any other characteristics that make our adult-force and students unique.
Exploring, developing and implementing strategies to become more inclusive and ensure access to our programs to all students (as well as access to key supports) is critical for FIRST to reach its goal and mission. ALL young people should have the opportunity to become science and technology leaders. FIRST will remove barriers to program participation for underserved, underrepresented students.
If you are a student interested in supporting DEI work, consider joining the Student DEI Advisory Committee. Learn more here!
The STEM Education Innovation Alliance is committed to promoting innovative policies that will enhance STEM education and career pathways, advance economic development, meet our state’s urgent workforce demands, incentivize regional public and private partnerships, and provide opportunities for more Washingtonians to compete for jobs in this vital sector.
Check out the 2021 Washington STEM Report Card here!
Addressing teen mental health is critically important.
We can’t always wait for teens to come to us for help; instead, we need to reach out and give them the information and resources they need to support each other.
If you or a friend may be struggling with their mental health, check out these PNW local resources.
Your health and wellbeing is important to us. Before robots, before competitions, before awards – You come FIRST.
The Non-Medical incident form can be used for any concern ranging from or related to volunteer issues, venue issues, Code of Conduct issues, or Youth Protection issues.
Youth participants are encouraged to reach out to the Youth Protection Department for support and assistance if they have any concerns about their own safety and/or treatment or that of other participants in FIRST programs.
FIRST understands the broader societal context of economic, educational, and social factors historically leading to disproportionate access and outcomes.
FIRST is actively developing strategies that remove barriers and ensure greater access to our programs so that all youth can participate.
FIRST has prioritized initiatives, grants, and resources for underserved underrepresented and populations.
Check out these resources or email Marak@firstwa.org for further guidance.
