Get Involved
Do you want to empower youth to build confidence and real-life problem solving skills?
How do you feel about creating future innovators in the fields of science, technology, math and engineering?
Do you want to grow personally and professionally?
These are all achievable with FIRST! FIRST is an organization powered by Volunteers. These Volunteers Coach and Mentor teams of students, organize competitions and events, and manage much of the day to day that makes FIRST possible. These Volunteers all share the goal of making a lasting impact on the students that they reach.
Learn more by visiting the Volunteer Portal made possible with support from Time Warner Cable
"The most important thing is to be there for the kids. It’s not about you, and the kids are amazing in what they can and will accomplish. This program is designed for the kids, and designed for them to run with it. And have fun. And hopefully to gain an interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. The team that I had took the ball and ran with it. That is the type of leadership we are trying to support with this program. I believe that we are cultivating our leaders for tomorrow." Greg, FIRST Coach
Start Now
We all have to start somewhere. Whether you’d like to try volunteering at an event or becoming a Coach or Mentor, everyone can make a difference at FIRST. With over 120, 000 volunteers annually, there really is an opportunity for everyone. The skills that volunteers bring are the very skills that they use in their everyday lives and jobs. FIRST volunteers are women and men of every age and occupation. FIRST volunteers are just like you!
What Types of Volunteer Opportunities are Available?
Event-Day Volunteer
FIRST events are an exciting and fun-filled opportunity to see youth in action, applying the knowledge and skills developed through team participation. Each competition event depends on an abundance of volunteers with a broad spectrum of talents to support operating needs and competition demands. FIRST continually seeks more individuals to help.
Whether you have four hours on a Saturday or a full day to spend with us, FIRST event-day volunteers help out during the event season, often for more than one FIRST program. Many of these roles are highly visible and can have a significant positive impact on the quality of the event. There is something to suit everyone’s style—whether you like fast-past actions or helping behind-the-scenes. Many event-day volunteer roles do not need to have any technical expertise.
Team Volunteers, Mentors and Coaches
FIRST engages thousands of adult Team Mentors and Coaches volunteering with young people ages 6-18. Team Mentors and Coaches work side-by-side with our FIRST teams to build self-confidence, knowledge and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology and engineering. They have a variety of backgrounds, but all share in the FIRST commitment of inspiring young people, their schools, and communities an appreciation of science and technology, and how mastering these can enrich the lives of all.
The time needed for a Team Mentor or Coach will vary with the program selected. Teams not only need week-to-week guidance on the technology of their building and/or science projects, but they need guidance on organizing outreach and fundraising efforts in their community. Coaches and mentors do not need to have any technical expertise—just a willingness to inspire youth. Some teams need topic-related expertise for a short period of time, but generally these positions would require a 6-month commitment to team support. Read more about Mentor and Coach Roles.
Virtual Opportunities
In addition to in-person support, teams can also use the help of knowledgeable resources to guide them virtually. These subject matter experts can assist teams when working through a problem or just need extra support or guidance, whatever their circumstance. Register to be a Virtual Technical Advisor.
