FIRST Chesapeake uses robots as the vehicle to bring Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)-based leadership enrichment programs and competitions to youth in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.

Our mission is to:

• Inspire youth to become science & technology leaders by engaging them in robotics programs that build STEM skills 
• Promote the spirit of creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship
• Foster valuable life skills such as leadership, teamwork, and creative thinking
• Help young people acquire the knowledge and skills needed to compete in our technology-driven global economy
• Encourage students to pursue STEM-based academics and future careers.

FIRST Chesapeake operates under the umbrella of VirginiaFIRST, a registered 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1999. Our programs directly impact over 6,700 middle and high school students. Each year, 50,000+ individuals attend 15+ robotics competitions in the FIRST Chesapeake District. FIRST Chesapeake also works closely with our local FIRST partners to bring a seamless progression of K-12 STEM-based programs to youth in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia.