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For students who like to problem solve and design things, there is something in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) pathway for you. In the STEM pathways, you will learn by doing. This hands-on approach to learning gives you the 21st-century skills you will need to compete in our global society. Our programs are designed to promote specific skills in working as a team, sustainability, business planning, and coding/programming. Our programs require working as a team to code, build, and promote your robot while involved in a fast past robotics competition.
Our programs include these important skills: problem-solving, critical thinking, 21st century learning skills, and emotional learning.
Scroll down to learn about our focus on equity, inclusion, and diversity.
We are proud to have the FIRST Alumni of the Rio Grande Valley starting in spring, 2019. This association will support the teams of the RGV through mentorship and event support. Alumni members are any student that participated on a FIRST team in the Rio Grande Valley.
Camps, Workshops and Professional Development
We are excited to offer year-round STEM and Professional Development opportunities for students and adults. Students and adults can quickly review what we have to offer either in person or online. This allows for maximum inclusion in the excitement we have created in the Rio Grande Valley in robotics, coding, and various other STEM activities.
Through various partnerships, we can host an event at your campus, at one of our partner entities or even at our offices. We will gladly work to customize an opportunity/subject of interest to you and your organization.
What is the Mission of FIRST and FIRST RGV?
The mission of FIRST® is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering, and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.
“To transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated and where young people dream of becoming science and technology leaders.” Dean Kamen, Founder
Engage kids in kindergarten through high school in exciting, mentor-based, research and robotics programs that help them become science and technology leaders, as well as well-rounded contributors to society.
In 2017, FIRST RGV and South Texas College, Institutue of Advance Manufacturing paired up to support the mission of FIRST in the Rio Grande Valley by providing students even more opportunities to advance manufacturing resources.
We are excited to announce an expansion to our partnership for the 2019 – 2020 season; which will be revealed during our Sept 7, 2019 kick-off in McAllen. (stay tuned)
Two STEM powerhouses working together to better our community.
Unified Robotics by Special Olympics of Texas and FIRST RGV
We are proud to announce our partnership with Special Olympics – RGV to deliver another amazing robotics program for those students with special needs. Starting April 1, 2020, students that may not be comfortable with being on a traditional FIRST robotics team may now participate as a FIRST RGV / Unified Robotics team. To learn more about this new partnership, visit Unified Robotics page on our website.
Inclusion of Young Women
- GIRLS in FIRST
- Majority GIRL Teams
- GIRLS in FIRST
- Majority GIRL Teams
Our Team Growth
- FLL
- FTC
- FRC
- FLL
- FTC
- FRC
Title I Community in FIRST RGV
Approximately 85% of the eligible teams that request grant assistance receives funding. Thanks Texas Workforce Commission, Dell and others. (FIRST In Texas administers grants)
PO BOX 4646
McAllen, Texas 78501
956.320.9311 (Main)
956.217.0989 (Fax)
Proudly serving the counties of: Brooks, Cameron, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Kenedy, Starr, Webb, Willacy, and Zapata
Both FIRST Tech Challenge and FIRST Robotics Competition teams are eligible to complete at the UIL Robotics State Championship – FIRST Division in April. Teams must be from a member school and in good standing. This is an invitational.
All questions regarding UIL Robotics eligibility, membership, and recognition can be sent to [email protected].
We appreciate your interest in FIRST in the Rio Grande Valley. Please take the time to ask any questions you may have, volunteer your time as a mentor to students or at an event. Through donations of your time and/or money we can work together to make sure this program reaches as many students as possible. Lets Make it Loud Together! — Jason Arms, President
We proudly serve the robotics communities of: Harlingen, Brownsville, Mercedes, Donna, La Sara, Rio Grande City, McAllen, Edinburg, Hidalgo, Alamo, Mercedes, Palmview, Palm Valley, Alton, Palmhurst, San Juan, Pharr, Mission, Palmview, Laredo, La Joya, La Grulla, Hebbronville, Los Fresnos, San Benito, Rio Hondo, Lyford, Raymondville, Weslaco and Roma.