Mark and Rhona Breadner Leadership Fund
for Black and Indigenous Youth

Thanks to the generous support of the Mark and Rhona Breadner Fund, FIRST Canada takes pride in fostering and acknowledging the passion for STEM among young Indigenous and Black youth, as nominated by their teacher mentors. 

About the Prize

This prize aims to inspire and support the next generation of STEM enthusiasts, specifically students aged 9-14 who are members of a FIRST LEGO League Challenge team or FIRST Tech Challenge Team. The intention is to encourage these young minds to continue their journey in the world of STEM by continuing or progressing onto a FIRST Tech Challenge or FIRST Robotics Competition teams and programs administered by FIRST Robotics Canada.

Prize Details

Winning students will receive a unique FIRST Robotics Canada orange hoodie with a custom logo. Additionally, they will be awarded $1,000, which can be used in one of two ways:

Option 1:

• $500 towards registering a FIRST team in Canada (FLL Challenge, FTC, or FRC) 
• $500 towards a personal FIRST Lego League Challenge or FIRST Tech Challenge starter kit

Option 2:

• $1,000 towards the registration fee and/or kit for a FIRST team (FLL Challenge, FTC, or FRC) 

Please note that funds will be disbursed once your team has registered for the season and provided evidence of payment. After verification, we will process and issue a cheque to your organization for the prize amount.

In addition to the monetary support, the selected recipients will also receive a virtual mentoring session.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this award, students must meet the following criteria:

• Complete and submit the application form by 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time) on March 1, 2024.
• Be a member of a FIRST LEGO League Challenge or FIRST Tech Challenge Team in Canada for the 2023-2024 season.
• Self-identify as First Nations, Inuit, Métis, or Black youth between 9 and 14.
• Commit to utilizing the award to further the FIRST mission within their community.

Application Instructions and Process

Applicants are required to adhere to the following instructions:

1.  The application form must be completed and submitted by a a coach or mentor.
2.  A brief essay, not exceeding 500 words, must be included, addressing specific criteria about the student they are nominating.

Nominations must reflect the nominees: 

1.    Interest in STEM
2.    Ability to foster a diverse team and create an inclusive environment
3.    Participation in FIRST programs and team roles
4.    Active community involvement and peer engagement
5.    Dedication to educational goals
6.    Support for others’ educational pursuits
7.    Demonstration of Gracious Professionalism and FIRST core values
8.    Distinctive qualities that set the student apart
9.    Ability to motivate and lead fellow team members

How to apply:

1.  Upload a minimum of one (1) photo of the nominee, preferably a headshot, and up to three (3) additional photos (totalling no more than 1.0 MB).
2.  Mentors/teachers can nominate a maximum of two students (FIRST LEGO League Challenge and/or FIRST Tech Challenge between the ages of 9 and 14 based on their passion, dedication to their FIRST team, community contributions, and leadership abilities.
3.  Before uploading the application, ensure you have the following:
4.  A photo release form signed by the nominee’s parent or legal guardian.
5.  A minimum of one (1) and a maximum of three (3) headshots of the nominee (totalling 1 MB)
6.  The nominee’s shirt size (to be used if they are selected as a fund recipient)
7.  A brief essay (not exceeding 500 words)
8. The student’s mailing address

We encourage you to submit your applications and support the growth of these young STEM enthusiasts in their educational journey.