The core of our Strategic Plan is the continued development and access to exemplary learning opportunities in STEM for students and mentors. At all levels, the FIRST RGV family of programs provide experiential learning that encompasses a diverse array of disciplines in STEM and the arts, and engenders building of “soft skills”. It is our goal to engage an increasing number of students in FIRST programs to enable clear understanding of the potential in STEM programs and careers. Mission, Vision, and Values The mission, vision, and values of FIRST RGV is to continue to evolve in program delivery within the Rio Grande Valley.

The Mission of FIRST RGV: to inspire young men and women of the Rio Grande Valley to be science and technology leaders, by engaging them in exciting programs, supported by mentors, that build skills, inspire innovation, and foster self-confidence, teamwork, communication, and leadership.

The Vision of FIRST RGV: to transform young men and women of the Rio Grande Valley to be leaders of tomorrow by creating a culture where science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are celebrated and where young people dream of becoming leaders in STEM fields.

The values of FIRST RGV are: Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity at all levels of the organization.

Students, volunteers and mentors engaged in FIRST RGV programs will reflect inclusive diversity of our service community. Respect and equity are key to this experience. We encourage greater access and participation in our programs for women, First Nations, and the underserved.

Cooperation and Competition. Success in FIRST RGV programs hinges on cooperation with both alliance and competing teams and participants. We believe that by collaboratively supporting excellence for all teams raises the level of learning through blending cooperation and competition.

Transfer of Knowledge and Skills. We believe that much valuable learning takes place when students work side-by-side with adult mentors who take time from their professional careers to share their knowledge, enthusiasm and expertise. Life-long bonds are created and students are exposed to exciting career opportunities.

Gracious Professionalism. FIRST programs reward both on-field and off-field conduct that models the best values of professional respect and courtesy.

• Strategic Directions:
  1. Support program development, real world learning, and application of theory and skills.
  2. Develop and support our Community.
  3. Ensure sustainability.

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT, REAL WORLD LEARNING, AND APPLICATION

We commit to grow student engagement in the FIRST RGV family of programs. We commit to support diverse, inclusive, and equitable access for students and mentors. We believe that FIRST programs introduce students to the richness of STEM and commit to showcase these opportunities.

Desired Outcomes for 2021 – 2025:
• Support the application of STEM through FIRST RGV Programs to a diverse youth population
• Support participation in age appropriate programs that are representative of real world issues or present real world challenges
• Support integration with school curriculum
• Provide a network of support for mentors
• Provide or support opportunities to showcase learning through tournaments, competitions, and outreach
• Develop connections to role models/mentors in STEM
• Implement and support networking to provide learning and integration

DEVELOP AND SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY

We commit to develop a connected community where students, mentors, alumni, sponsors, and supporters have access to communication to facilitate interaction. We commit to grow the number of FIRST RGV teams and participates across the Rio Grande Valley while maintaining the high level of excellence for which we are known. FIRST RGV has a strong Program involvement in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas; rapid expansion in the Rio Grande Valley (South Texas) is underway and we continue to champion the effort in bringing STEM education programs to our K-12 space.

Desired Outcomes for 2021 – 2025:
• Develop a connected community through diverse and consistent communication streams
• Maintain a robust volunteer base
• Develop and maintain a robust Alumni community
• Further engage our Advisory Board as a vibrant sounding board to support FIRST RGV
• Further develop and maintain diverse communication methods and tools to support teams and participants.
• Consolidate past growth, in the family of programs beyond currently engaged communities, while maintaining high quality substance for our participants.

SUSTAINABILITY

We commit to ensure sustainability on all levels, including financial and governance.
We will continue to seek and use research to inform our practices.

Desired Outcomes for 2021 – 2025:
• Secure funding to ensure continued financial stability through diversity of revenue streams
• Secure funding to ensure continued sustainable growth
• Develop a robust succession plan for all levels of leadership to include professional training.
• Develop and implement additional STEM programs to promote sustainable growth and costs
• Collect and analyze data to inform decision making, understand impact, and provide concrete evidence for future funding opportunities
• Continue to develop a robust and diverse network of supporters through marketing and broader awareness in our community.
• Review governance structures and revise as needed to support new and expanding programs.