Our daughter is a creative problem solver. One of my husband’s favorite stories to tell is how at 5 years old, she decided to use a hair elastic rather than wait for one of us to help her tie a balloon.
Do you have a kiddo like this, or maybe you have a child who asks a thousand questions and is curious about everything? What about one who stacks things creatively (and usually dangerously) to reach something they want? Or a child who loves to build and create with LEGO?
It’s kids like these that will change the world, and FIRST, the world’s leading nonprofit focusing on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), wants to give them the tools and opportunities to succeed.
FIRST offers hands-on robotics challenges for students in kindergarten through grade 12 as a way to help kids innovate, build leadership skills, and problem solve. Kids get the opportunity to design, build, and program in real-world situations and learn first-hand the importance of teamwork.
Here’s another cool thing about FIRST–they offer a range of mentor opportunities to support and cultivate students’ interests locally in their communities. While science and technology are not strong skills for me, I’ve uncovered mentorship opportunities in areas like business or fundraising. I’m also so thankful for wonderful teachers and mentors that often volunteer their time with robotics clubs, computer programming, math and science competitions, and so much more! There are many ways to make a difference in the lives of our future innovators.
FIRST will connect students with professionals in the community to start exposing kids to potential careers and pathways available to them. My kids have always loved their elementary school career days and high schoolers appreciate shadowing opportunities at area businesses, so it’s never too early to start thinking about the future!
And, if you have a daughter at home, time can be of the essence when it comes to STEM. Studies have shown that their optimum window of engagement is between 11 and 15 years old.
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THE POWER OF STEM?
As many students dream of being a professional athlete (my son included), FIRST has created the only sport where every kid can “go pro.” Along with the essential technical knowledge desired by employers, STEM education teaches students the teamwork, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills they’ll need to be well-rounded professionals, and more importantly, well-rounded people.
HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD?
- Give children access to hands-on STEM learning opportunities so they can see concepts in action. It’s easier than you may think: From playing with brick building kits to simple coding projects, there are many ways to engage kids.
- Create learning opportunities that are authentic and relevant to kids’ lives. Get them thinking about how they can solve problems in their own neighborhoods.
- Seek out ways to volunteer at school to provide a helping hand in classrooms or with extracurricular clubs and teams.
- Donate school supplies or real-world tools. For example, donating old machinery or tools to your local schools’ technology education departments, shop classrooms, or robotics teams. Teacher Appreciation Week is right around the corner!
- Seek out connections with students by taking part in career days or hosting students at your place of work.
Learn more about FIRST’s work and success with more than 600,000 students in more than 100 countries this year by visiting here.
