Meet Adelaide
A Story That Belongs to Thousands
Adelaide’s story begins the same way so many FIRST Chesapeake journeys do—with one spark of curiosity and one caring adult who opened a door. She’s not a real student, but she is a true one: Adelaide is a composite of the thousands of young people across DC, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia who discover their potential because someone believed they deserved access to high-quality STEM learning.
Adelaide’s first spark began with LEGO and imagination.
FIRST Chesapeake launched 100 new FLL Explore teams this year — giving 600 kids their first taste of STEM.
“They start by connecting gears and motors, but what they’re really building is confidence to ask big questions. That spark changes everything.”
— Amber Driesman, FLL Explore Program Manager
When her school didn’t have a robotics team, her teacher built one.
Seeing Adelaide losing momentum, Ms. Brown contacted FIRST Chesapeake. Through the Geared Up Mentor Initiative, she received training to start an FTC team—gaining skills to guide students in robotics and teaching them how to learn beyond her own expertise.
Geared Up launched 16 new FTC teams this year — with 100% mentor retention and 90% confidence gains among new coaches.
Adelaide led her team to the World Stage — and won more than a trophy.
By high school, Adelaide had become a leader. As captain of her FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) team, she managed budgets, guided younger students, and learned to pitch her team’s designs before industry judges.
Under her leadership, the team advanced through the season to represent FIRST Chesapeake on the World Stage, where they reached the Finalist Alliance rounds of the global championship.
At college, Adelaide joined peers who had grown up through FIRST—the next generation of engineers, data scientists, and problem-solvers shaping the Mid-Atlantic’s innovation economy.
Her Department of Energy internship led to full-time research supporting AI systems for the U.S. Navy—work that reflected the region’s growing demand for technically skilled, mission-driven professionals.
From Baltimore to the Department of Energy — her passion became her purpose.
Years later, Adelaide returned home—not just as an engineer, but as a mentor and philanthropist. She now volunteers as an FTC Judge and supports the Women in STEM scholarship that once supported her.
Her company donates 1% of profits to local teams, ensuring more students—especially girls and underrepresented youth—have access to robotics opportunities.
“Our students are why we do this,” says Alex Bryant. “They don't just find a career. They find their voices—and now they're using it to lift others.”
Adelaide became the mentor she once needed.
Mentor & Volunteer Ecosystem
"We built Geared Up because mentors are the multiplier. When you train one, you reach dozens of students."
- Shelly Stoddard, Vice President
-
92% of mentors say FIRST improved their own leadership, communication, and problem-solving
-
FIRST Chesapeake operates with only 5 full-time staff, powered by 2,700+ volunteers
-
Average volunteer tenure: 5+ years
Scholarships That Transform Futures
FIRST Chesapeake's Women in STEM Scholarship has supported dozen's of young women entering engineering, AI, cybersecurity, and robotics pathways.
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69% of female FIRST alumni declare a STEM major by their 4th year of college - far above the national average
-
Female FIRST alumni report the highest gains in STEM confidence, identity, and persistence across every program level.
-
32% of FIRST Chesapeake are female, a 2% increase from last year - and growing.
Future Talent,
Ready Now
Every $1 invested in FIRST programs yields an estimated $4–$8 economic return through workforce development, talent retention, and high-wage job creation.
-
Students gain hands-on experience with AI, machine learning, computer vision, CAD/CAM, automation, and embedded systems before graduating high school.
-
FIRST alumni stay in-region at significantly higher rates — creating local workforce continuity and talent retention in the Mid-Atlantic.
-
By age 18, FIRST students have logged hundreds of hours in prototyping, fabrication, coding, project management, and technical documentation
STEM access isn't a privilege — it’s a pathway
-
40% of new teams launched in underserved regions
-
100% mentor retention in Geared Up
-
16% of students qualify for free/reduced lunch
-
46% of FIRST Chesapeake participants identify as students of color, making our district one of the most diverse STEM youth ecosystems in the country.
-
FIRST Chesapeake now supports teams in nearly every metropolitan region and many rural communities across DC, MD, VA, and WV
From LEGO to Leadership
At FIRST Chesapeake, those sparks now reach 10,406 students across 478 teams in DC, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. Each program is part of a mentor-based, student-centered pipeline that turns curiosity into career readiness, creativity into capability, and teamwork into lifelong leadership.
Middle School: The Bridge Between Curiosity and Capability
Across the district, 267 FTC teams engaged more than 4,005 students from middle and high schools—each learning to code, design, and collaborate as part of a high-stakes, professional-grade robotics experience.
“FIRST made me more than a builder,” says Jen Scharl, Senior District Volunteer Coordinator and FIRST alum. “It taught me to be a connector. Volunteers what sustains this movement.”
High School: High Stakes, Higher Purpose
Across the district, 112 FRC teams engaged more than 5,600 high school students—each collaborating to design, build, and program industrial-sized robots for high-energy competitions.
"I love that our students don’t just compete—they translate what they learn into impact,” says Anne Shade, Director of Operations and FIRST alum.
“You can trace a straight line from their teamwork on the field to their confidence in college labs and boardrooms later."
College and Career: From Student to Innovator
FIRST alumni earn $14,500 more in median annual income than non-participants and are significantly more likely to take leadership roles in their communities. They don’t just fill jobs—they create industries.
“The Mid-Atlantic is becoming the new capital of innovation,” says Alex Bryant, President & Alum, referencing the region's booming tech sector.
“From AI to aerospace, these young people aren’t waiting for permission—they’re already building the solutions we’ll all depend on.”
Gracious Professionals Never Graduate
Across the region, her story is replicated thousands of times over.
-
32% of FIRST Chesapeake students are female (a 2% increase from last year).
-
16% qualify for free and reduced lunch, a testament to growing equity and access.
-
46% of participants identify as students of color.
-
Over 2,700 volunteers keep the programs running—from mentors to judges to alumni returning as role models.
-
43% of alumni stay actively involved in FIRST as mentors, coaches, or volunteers.
Elementary Impact:
Where Big Futures Begin Early
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600 young students
-
100 new FLL Explore teams
-
49% community-based
-
90% confidence gains
-
2–3× higher continuation into advanced programs
Small robots.
Big transformations.
Adelaide’s first spark began with LEGO and imagination.
FIRST Chesapeake launched 100 new FLL Explore teams this year — giving 600 kids their first taste of STEM.
“They start by connecting gears and motors, but what they’re really building is confidence to ask big questions. That spark changes everything.”
— Amber Driesman, FLL Explore Program Manager
TEAMS 478
STUDENTS 10,406
From LEGO to Leadership
At FIRST Chesapeake, those sparks now reach 10,406 students across 478 teams in DC, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. Each program is part of a mentor-based, student-centered pipeline that turns curiosity into career readiness, creativity into capability, and teamwork into lifelong leadership.
Mentor & Volunteer Ecosystem
-
92% of mentors say FIRST improved their own leadership, communication, and problem-solving
-
FIRST Chesapeake operates with only 6 full-time staff, powered by 2,700+ volunteers
-
Average volunteer tenure: 5+ years
“We built Geared Up because mentors are the multiplier.
When you train one, you reach dozens of students.”
— Shelly Stoddard, Vice President
When her school didn’t have a robotics team, her teacher built one.
Seeing Adelaide losing momentum, Ms. Brown contacted FIRST Chesapeake. Through the Geared Up Mentor Initiative, she received training to start an FTC team—gaining skills to guide students in robotics and teaching them how to learn beyond her own expertise.
Geared Up launched 16 new FTC teams this year — with 100% mentor retention and 90% confidence gains among new coaches.
FTC TEAMS 267
STUDENTS 4,005
Middle School: The Bridge Between Curiosity and Capability
Across the district, 267 FTC teams engaged more than 4,005 students from middle and high schools—each learning to code, design, and collaborate as part of a high-stakes, professional-grade robotics experience.
“FIRST made me more than a builder,” says Jen Scharl, Senior District Volunteer Coordinator and FIRST alum. “It taught me to be a connector. Volunteers what sustains this movement.”
%20(7).png)
%20(11)_gif.gif)
Scholarships That Transform Futures
FIRST Chesapeake’s Women in STEM Scholarship has supported dozens of young women entering engineering, AI, cybersecurity, and robotics pathways.
-
69% of female FIRST alumni declare a STEM major by their 4th year of college — far above the national average.
-
Female FIRST alumni report the highest gains in STEM confidence, identity, and persistence across every program level.
-
32% of FIRST Chesapeake students are female, a 2% increase from last year — and growing.
Adelaide led her team to the World Stage — and won more than a trophy.
By high school, Adelaide had become a leader. As captain of her FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) team, she managed budgets, guided younger students, and learned to pitch her team’s designs before industry judges.
Under her leadership, the team advanced through the season to represent FIRST Chesapeake on the World Stage, where they reached the Finalist Alliance rounds of the global championship.
High School: High Stakes, Higher Purpose
Across the district, 112 FRC teams engaged more than 5,600 high school students—each collaborating to design, build, and program industrial-sized robots for high-energy competitions.
"I love that our students don’t just compete—they translate what they learn into impact,” says Anne Shade, Director of Operations and FIRST alum.
“You can trace a straight line from their teamwork on the field to their confidence in college labs and boardrooms later."
%20(7)_gif.gif)
FRC TEAMS 112
STUDENTS 5,600
95% of students improve time and problem-solving skills
19 Years of Data-Backed Results
According to the FIRST 10-Year Study, participants are:
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2.1x more likely to sustain STEM interest 10 years after participation.
-
83% major in STEM fields, with 61% pursuing engineering or computer science compared to just 26% of their peers.
-
63% work in STEM, most in high-growth sectors like defense, AI, energy, and manufacturing.
For women, the impact is even greater. Female FIRST alumni are 3.7x more likely to major in computer science and 2.5x more likely to pursue engineering than their non-FIRST peers.
90% report gains in comms and teamwork
%20(6).png)
%20(8)_gif.gif)
Future Talent,
Ready Now
Every $1 invested in FIRST programs yields an estimated $4–$8 economic return through workforce development, talent retention, and high-wage job creation.
-
Students gain hands-on experience with AI, machine learning, computer vision, CAD/CAM, automation, and embedded systems before graduating high school.
-
FIRST alumni stay in-region at significantly higher rates — creating local workforce continuity and talent retention in the Mid-Atlantic.
-
By age 18, FIRST students have logged hundreds of hours in prototyping, fabrication, coding, project management, and technical documentation.
From Baltimore to the Department of Energy — her passion became her purpose.
At college, Adelaide joined peers who had grown up through FIRST—the next generation of engineers, data scientists, and problem-solvers shaping the Mid-Atlantic’s innovation economy.
Her Department of Energy internship led to full-time research supporting AI systems for the U.S. Navy—work that reflected the region’s growing demand for technically skilled, mission-driven professionals.
FIRST Alumni earn a 20–30% lifetime wage premium
College and Career: From Student to Innovator
FIRST alumni earn $14,500 more in median annual income than non-participants and are significantly more likely to take leadership roles in their communities. They don’t just fill jobs—they create industries.
“The Mid-Atlantic is becoming the new capital of innovation,” says Alex Bryant, President & Alum, referencing the region's booming tech sector.
“From AI to aerospace, these young people aren’t waiting for permission—they’re already building the solutions we’ll all depend on.”
%20(9)_gif.gif)
STEM access isn’t a privilege — it’s a pathway
-
40% of new teams launched in underserved regions
-
100% mentor retention in Geared Up
-
16% of students qualify for free/reduced lunch
-
46% of FIRST Chesapeake participants identify as students of color, making our district one of the most diverse STEM youth ecosystems in the country.
-
FIRST Chesapeake now supports teams in nearly every metropolitan region and many rural communities across DC, MD, VA, and WV.
Adelaide became the mentor she once needed.
Years later, Adelaide returned home—not just as an engineer, but as a mentor and philanthropist.
She now volunteers as an FTC Judge and supports the Women in STEM scholarship that once supported her.
Her company donates 1% of profits to local teams, ensuring more students—especially girls and underrepresented youth—have access to robotics opportunities
“Our students are why we do this,” says Alex Bryant. “They don't just find a career. They find their voices—and now they're using it to lift others.”
%20(12)_gif.gif)
Gracious Professionals
Never Graduate
Across the region, her story is replicated thousands of times over.
-
32% of FIRST Chesapeake students are female (a 2% increase from last year).
-
16% qualify for free and reduced lunch, a testament to growing equity and access.
-
46% of participants identify as students of color.
-
Over 2,700 volunteers keep the programs running—from mentors to judges to alumni returning as role models.
-
43% of alumni stay actively involved in FIRST as mentors, coaches, or volunteers.
HELP BUILD THE NEXT Adelaide
This Giving Season, FIRST Chesapeake is working to raise $25,000 to ensure that every student who wants a robotics opportunity can have one.
Adelaide’s path—from her first LEGO build to mentoring the next generation—represents the best of what this community makes possible. But the truth is: this impact is not guaranteed. Corporate giving is tightening. Federal support is unpredictable. Schools need more mentors, more training, and more access to equipment than ever before. And still, demand for our programs continues to grow.
If Adelaide’s story moved you, imagine how many real students are standing exactly where she once stood—full of potential, waiting for someone to open the next door.
You can be that person.
You can help build the next Adelaide.
You can help create the next generation of innovators, engineers, mentors, and community leaders.
HIGH SCORES
Google Foundation
Dept of Energy | Energy Efficiencies and Renewable Energies | Vehicles Technology Office
Aramco Americas
Leidos
Qualcomm
Booz Allen Hamilton
Argosy Foundation
Dominion Energy Services
Science Museum of Western Virginia
Von Paris
Huntington Ingalls/NNS
Plummers Industries
Memorial Foundation for Children
Bechtel
Ball Corp
Hamilton Beach
NASA
SONY
Herndon Foundation
BAMA Works Grant
Volvo
Sinton Family
Venable Law
Driesman Family
Franceschini Family
Sailpoint
Welsh Family
Neller Family
Neller Family
Bryant Family
Sodell Family
Smith Family
Egan Family
Glenn Family
Atkinson Family
Shaw Family
Giordono Family
Perez Family
Becker Family