With over 1,200 afterschool program teams across Washington State and in-class FIRST programs taught by teachers across the state popping up, FIRST Washington is a deepening impact for communities, higher education, and employers across Washington State. Over 15,000 students across Washington are engaged in this seamless progression of programs that engages K-12 (6-18 years of age) into the world of STEM.
Take a peek at our most recent Impact Statement:
Many of us have seen the stats on the student impact after participating on a FIRST team:
- 89% of FIRST Alumni declare a major in STEM of which 70% specialize in Computer Science or Engineering.
- The impact FIRST has on females is even more impressive with women 3x more likely to take Engineering courses and 5x more likely to take Computer Science coursework compared to their non-participating FIRST
But FIRST is not just about learning engineering skills or how to program, it teaches incredible leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship skills at the earliest age:
- 86% of all Kindergartners who participate in FIRST programs strengthen their leadership skills and by the time they are in middle school that number increases to 92% and by high school they are at 95%.
21st Century Work Life Skills are equally significant with
- 76% of Kindergartners strengthening their listening skills, 95% of upper elementary students learning how to address conflict resolution, and 100% of middle and high school students knowing to work effectively together as a team.
If you are curious and want to dig even deeper into FIRST’s Impact, review our national non-profit that has led a multi-year independent study of which Washington State students are participants here.
FIRST Washington has a vision of bringing FIRST programs into every school. We are committed to equity and access and believe that if students are exposed to FIRST programs, they will see “see what they can be one day.”
Please review, FIRST Washington’s Strategic Plan:
**All DEI workshops have been postponed until further notice**
Our commitment to equity and access is a foundational pillar to what we do. Over the last few years, we have grown female participation from 28% to 42% through our Girls FIRST Initiative and we host annual DEI workshops, encouraging courageous conversations within our volunteer, coaches and mentor community in building FIRST program teams that represent the school/community that they are in. Learn more about our DEI effort, at a national level here.
Or at a state level:
