News

It’s that time of year again: FIRST is HIRING!

• Have you been searching for a position in community service?
• Are you a FIRST alumni member or simply interested in robotics?
• Do you enjoy working with students in grades 6^th-12^th?
• Can you devote one year of your life to community service work?

If you answered “Yes” to all four questions, then you might be a perfect fit for our FIRST VISTA position!

About For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology: FIRST^Ⓡ was founded in 1989 to inspire young people's interest and participation in science and technology. With a National Headquarters based in Manchester, NH, the 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity designs accessible, innovative programs that motivate young people (pre-K-12) to pursue education and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math, while building self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills. The FIRSTAmeriCorps VISTA program places VISTA members in strategic locations to support FIRST programs nationwide.

FIRST^Ⓡ VISTA Members work to:

• Support and assist in the recruitment of teams, mentors, coaches and volunteers with an emphasis on securing and sustaining support to the underserved,
• Target specific underserved schools and communities as locations to establish FIRST teams or sustain and grow existing teams,
• Support existing teams and mentors to impact student engagement and interest in STEM,
• Raise awareness of grant and funding opportunities for underserved students or teams and to bring awareness to high school students on FIRST teams regarding scholarship opportunities for post-secondary schooling opportunities,
• Host/support outreach events, expos and demonstrations to increase awareness of FIRST programs among the underserved/underrepresented,
• Assist in supporting and organizing regional competitions and events for all FIRST programs, and coordinate training and workshops for teams
• Track and report out on specific performance milestones and measurements.

Qualifications: Candidates should possess strong organizational skills, proven ability to meet deadlines, have the ability to multi-task, be a team player, and have excellent communication skills. College degree preferred. Reliable transportation required. Familiarity with FIRST programs is preferred but not required.

Program Benefits: Training, Relocation Allowance, use of FIRST VISTA computer during service term, expense account, Health Benefit Plan*, Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend upon completion of service, Childcare assistance if eligible, Living Allowance.

*For details about AmeriCorps VISTA Health Benefit Plan, please visit http://www.vistacampus.gov/healthcare

Applications must be filled out at https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?id=50639&fromSearch=true to be considered for the position. Or go to my.americorps.gov and search listings for "FIRST VISTA-Nationwide"

FIRST Chesapeake/ VirginiaFIRST is moving offices the week of August 28th. We will still be in the same complex but in a different building (in Mechanicsville, VA). 

We need able-bodied volunteers to help us get stuff from one space to another!

This is a great opportunity to earn needed service hours for orgs such as National Honor Society or Scouts. We'd be glad to sign off on your paperwork. Come out as a team!

Please contact Glen Davis at gdavis@firstchesapeake.org or (804) 928-3506 if you can lend a hand.

FIRST ROBOTICS COMPETITION 2018 SEASON- SAVE THE DATES

• October 14th, 2017 - FRC Workshop (Richmond, VA). Keep checking the FIRST Family Blog for info as it becomes available

FIRST Chesapeake District Events 

Week 1

• March 2-4, 2018 Northern VA Competition: Battlefield High School Haymarket, VA

Week 2

• March 9-11, 2018 Greater DC Competition: Hayfield Secondary School Alexandria, VA 22315
• March 9-11, 2018 Central VA Competition: Deep Run High School Glen Allen, VA

Week 3

• March 16-18, 2018 Hampton Roads Competition: Churchland High School Portsmouth, VA
• March 16-18, 2018 Southern MD Competition: Oxon Hill High School Oxon Hill, MD

Week 4

• March 23-25, 2018 Central MD Competition: South River High School Edgewater, MD
• March 23-25, 2018 Southwest VA Competition: Blacksburg High School Blacksburg, VA

Week 5

• March 29-31, 2018 Snow make-up if needed: TBD

Week 6

• April 4-7, 2018 FIRST Chesapeake District Championship: TBD