The FIRST® programs are More Than Robots®, where participants are guided by a signature set of Core Values to conduct research, fundraise, design, build, and showcase their achievements. The thrilling, sports-like challenges build their self-confidence and collaborative problem-solving skills and have a proven and lasting impact on STEM learning and interest. The participants and alumni gain access to education and career discovery opportunities, connections to exclusive scholarships and employers, and a place in the FIRST community for life.

In Henrico County Public Schools, we use the FIRST Core Values and philosophies to expand LifeReady opportunities through innovative learning experiences and build durable skills & technical fluency through robotics programs that foster inquiry, persistence, and technical fluency. Students learn to work together through the Henrico Learner Profile and the FIRST Core Values. 

We are building collaboration and the community with the mentorship program between the high school teams and the elementary & middle school teams. Students from our high school teams work with teams in our middle and elementary schools as mentors to assist the students and coaches through the season and beyond. It not only builds the collaboration between all the students but it also inspires the elementary & middle school students to continue through the FIRST pathway.