The FIRST Robotics Canada’s strategic plan was meticulously developed through extensive research, collaboration, and consultation with our Community. This comprehensive process has led to the formulation of a strategic plan that will steer the growth of FIRST Robotics Canada. At the base of this plan are our key values, which serve as the foundation of our endeavours.

Overview of our Strategic Plan

The core of our Strategic Plan is the continued development and access to outstanding learning opportunities in STEM for students and mentors. At all levels, the FIRST family of programs provides experiential learning that encompasses a diverse array of disciplines in STEM and the arts and engenders building “soft skills.” Our goal is to engage an increasing number of students in FIRST programs to enable a clear understanding of the potential of STEM programs and careers.

Purpose

FIRST exists to prepare the young people of today for the world of tomorrow.

Mission 

The mission of FIRST is to provide life-changing robotics programs that give young people the skills, confidence, and resilience to build a better world.

Vision

The Vision of FIRST Canada is to transform Canada by creating a culture where science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are celebrated and where young people dream of becoming science and technology leaders.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

FIRST has a focus on increasing diversity. Our world is faced with an increasing set of challenges. To address these challenges, we need young people of all backgrounds, capabilities, and social circumstances to be prepared and equipped to solve the difficult problems we face and to make the world a better place for future generations. 

We are working hard to implement several initiatives that will include traditionally underrepresented, underserved, and vulnerable groups in FIRST Robotics Canada programs. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and partners, FIRST Robotics Canada is proud to offer several grants to teams that focus on equity, diversity and inclusion (ED&I). FIRST Robotics Canada is striving to create more inclusive and welcoming programs that will further our goal of fully reflecting and representing the communities we serve.

FIRST Robotics Canada has identified the following Underserved, Underrepresented and Vulnerable/Diverse populations as a focus of our EDI strategy. These groups are not only based upon inherent attributes such as gender, age, race, and ethnicity but are also based on a set of circumstances which may cause certain demographic groups to experience greater challenges that result in vulnerable populations. 

These groups include but are not limited to those who identify as:

• Black 
• Indigenous 
• Economically disadvantaged 
• Girls and women
• Those living in rural or urban communities
• 2SLGBTQI+
• New immigrants
• People with disabilities or receiving special education

Gracious Professionalism

Gracious Professionalism is part of the ethos of FIRST. It is a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community.

With Gracious Professionalism, fierce competition and mutual gain are not separate notions. Gracious professionals learn and compete intensely but treat one another with respect and kindness in the process. They avoid treating anyone like losers. Knowledge, competition, and empathy are comfortably blended.

In the long run, Gracious Professionalism is part of pursuing a meaningful life. One can add to society and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing one has acted with integrity and sensitivity.

Coopertition

Cooperation and Competition. Success in FIRST programs hinges on cooperation with both alliance and competing teams. We believe that collaboratively supporting excellence for all teams raises the level of learning by blending cooperation and competition. We call this “coopertition.”