Connecticut is investing $2.27 million from the Connecticut Manufacturing Innovation Fund to expand FIRST Robotics programs in the state’s K-12 schools. FIRST enhances STEM education through hands-on, team-based robotics activities and competitions, offering programs for various grade levels.
CBIA affiliate ReadyCT, in partnership with New England FIRST, will oversee the expansion. Over the next two years, the funds will support the addition of 20 new teams to the existing 250, covering costs like registration fees, student camps, and equipment. Three new regulation-sized fields will be established for practice and competition.
The initiative aims to increase access to STEM learning and address workforce shortages in STEM industries. Since 1989, FIRST has engaged over three million young people in 100 countries, with 81% of its alumni declaring a STEM major by the end of college.
Words from those involved in the funding round:
“This investment is critical and a real win for the state’s students.
When students engage in STEM learning and get involved with building and playing with robots at an early age, they become more STEM literate and demonstrate interest in exploring STEM-based careers like computer science and engineering.”
— Shannon Marimón, ReadyCT executive director
“We are creating a space where students can feel comfortable to grow, develop, and understand how the skills that they are learning in this program can open doors to numerous opportunities in their future careers.”
— Michal Fantom, NE FIRST executive director
“The FIRST program not only gives students technical knowledge, but also important skills that employers value including communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.”
— Chris DiPentima, CBIA president and CEO
“This program enables us to train a workforce crucial to the success of our future manufacturing sector while also providing students with a fun opportunity to compete.”
— Paul Lavoie, chief manufacturing officer , chair of the MIF advisory board
“I love the fact that I get to use my hands and work with a team.”
— Gabrielle Nieves, Hartford Public High School
