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. According to the U. S. Department of Commerce, STEM occupations are growing at 17%, while others are growing at 9.8%. The Department of Commerce points out that people in STEM fields can expect to earn 26 percent more money on average and be less likely to experience job loss. The STEM degree holders also tend to enjoy higher earnings overall, regardless of whether they work in STEM or STEAM occupations.
Our programs include these important skills: problem-solving, critical thinking, 21st century learning skills, emotional learning / intelligence and much more.
Year-Round STEM Camps Are Available!
The summer may be over, but the learning does not stop. We are excited to announce year round camps for students of all ages. Students participating in our camps will be registered as students at South Texas College at no additional charge as part of our partnership to work together to inspire the future #STEM leaders of tomorrow!
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.
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.
Girls in FIRST RGV
- GIRLS in FIRST
- Majority GIRL Teams
- GIRLS in FIRST
- Majority GIRL Teams
FIRST RGV Growth
- FLL Jr
- FLL
- FTC
- FRC
- FLL Jr
- 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)
801 E Fern Avenue
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
Texas FRC and FTC teams are invited to participate at the UIL Robotics State Championship – FIRST Division in April, 2020. Teams must be from a member school in good standing. Invitations will be based on robot / judging performance. Stay tuned!
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.