FIRST Canada's Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
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
At FIRST, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community for all participants. We are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion. We embrace and encourage differences in race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, income or other characteristics that make our adult force and students unique.
Building Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) literacy and confidence is required to be successful in nearly every endeavour in today’s technology-rich society. STEM competence and confidence create pathways to well-paying jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities in the fastest-growing fields, creating the potential for young people to achieve purposeful and prosperous lives.
Collectively, we must enable our young people to grow up to solve the world’s most pressing problems, be strong citizens, and build a brighter future. FIRST is committed to bringing its programs to students who would benefit most. It is actively developing strategies to ensure greater program access and reduce inequalities.
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 our complex problems and make the world a better place for future generations.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Team Resources
Keeping it Real on our teams’ workshops is part of the ongoing initiatives FIRST will undertake to fulfill its commitment to EDI. The seminar provides an opportunity to begin a conversation on diversity and explore welcoming and inclusive spaces for all youth. Read the full guide.
In the Girls in STEM: Your Future in Code magazine, you’ll discover some cool coding facts and history about the industry, meet super-talented women doing fascinating jobs, and learn about where you might find your place in this amazing field! Read the magazine.
A Girls in FIRST Conference is an excellent way to connect with young women interested in participating in FIRST programs. View more information on how to run mini girls in STEM conference.
EDI resources and training will equip mentors to create diverse, inclusive and equitable teams. This complimentary, three-part training module course is available for anyone in the FIRST community.
Girls in STEM
The Girls in STEM Executive Advisory Council offers insight and oversight that will help us break down the barriers of girls in STEM, encourage girls and young women to become innovative and successful leaders of the future, and build the foundation for systematic change for acceptance and inclusion of girls in STEM. Learn more about them.
Past VP of Partnerships Kim Cooper released her book Girls in Science: Voices for Change. Proceeds of this book will be donated to FIRST Canada’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity initiatives. It includes fresh ideas on equity and diversity based on youthful thinking and presents tangible and practical guidelines for inclusion in schools, workplaces and communities. Learn more.