Event Volunteers for DC, MD, VA
FIRST®(For the Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a global robotics community preparing young people for the future. Thank you for your interest in being an event volunteer! It is your support and dedication that empowers students to become innovators, problem solvers, and better global citizens.
There are numerous high energy robotics competitions in the Maryland, DC and Virginia region. Over 95% of the staff who make these events possible for the students are volunteers like you.
What is the typical time committment? These are all day competitions. Reporting times are usually between 7:00 and 8:00 am. Tournaments wrap up between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm. There are also a few position that are half day commitments.
What type of skills are needed to be an event volunteer for FIRST®? Some positions are technical, some are not. All are vital to the success of the competitions. Each require a willingness to be helpful and an interest in providing a high quality experience for the students.
Is training available? Training is offered for all roles. This is either online or in-person, depending on the position.
How do I get started? There are three steps to complete before registering to be an event volunteer.
Step One:
Use the drop down menus below for information on what is happening in your area. The links in the lists will take you to the location of the event on google maps. When you find a date/location of the event(s) you'd like to support please note which FIRST® program(s) they are for (FIRST LEGO League Challenge, FIRST Tech Challenge, FIRST Robotics Competition). You will want that information for Step Two and Three.
District of Columbia
The DC area competitions have already taken place. There will be more next season!
Maryland
Fri, Sat, Sun, Mar. 15-17, 2024
Archbishop Spalding High School
8080 New Cut Rd
Severn, MD 21144
FIRST Robotics Competition
Fri, Sat, Sun, Mar 21-23, 2024
8600 McDonogh Rd
Owings Mills, MD 21117
FIRST Robotics Competition
Virginia
Fri, Sat, Sun, Mar. 1-3 2024
3401 Bruin Ln
Blacksburg, 24060
FIRST Robotics Challenge
12449 W Patrick Henry Rd.
Ashland, Virginia23005
FIRST Robotics Challenge
Fri, Sat, Sun, Mar. 8-10, 2024
4301 Cedar Ln
Portsmouth, 23703
FIRST Robotics Challenge
Fri, Sat, Sun, Mar. 15-17, 2024
4801 Twin Hickory Rd
Glen Allen, 23059
FIRST Robotics Challenge
Fri, Sat, Sun, Mar. 22-24, 2024
121 Mustang Alley
Falls Church, 22043
FIRST Robotics Challenge
Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat Apr. 3-6, 2023
20809 2nd Ave
Petersburg, 23803
FIRST Robotics Challenge
District Championships
Step Two:
Now that you have an idea of what events are running in your area, please see below for volunteer position descriptions for each program. Can't decide what you'd like to do? No problem. During the registration process there is an "assign as needed" option. We will work with you to find a good fit.
If you have questions before completing the volunteer registration process direct them to the contacts below.
FIRST LEGO League Challenge - MD: Rose Young
FIRST LEGO League - VA/DC - K. Ilnitzski
FIRST Tech Challenge (DC/MD/VA: Shelly Stoddard, J. Benjamin
FIRST Robotic Challenge (DC/MD/VA): Isaiah Marriner
Ready to sign up? Go to Step Three.
Step Three:
You will complete the FIRST Event Volunteer registration on the FIRST website. Before you leave this page please make sure you have the following information:
What program(s) you would like to volunteer for (FIRST LEGO League, FIRST Tech Challenge, FIRST Robotics Competition)
When the event(s) are taking place
Where the event(s) are taking place
What role(s) you would like to fill. This is optional. You can select "assign as needed".
All set? Go to FIRST Volunteers and follow the directions for Event Volunteers.
Questions about the FIRST volunteer registration process??
Here is the FIRST Volunteer Registration Users Guide
You may also use the contact links above for local support.
Thank you for your willingness to donate your time and talents to nuture the amazing students of FIRST. You will find the FIRST Community supportive and welcoming!