FIRST and Foremost
team grant.” She adds that when Vermont teams advance in competitions, things move quickly, and securing funding for travel can prove to be quite difficult.“ The turnaround between knowing that you are eligible to go to a Premier event or the World Championships is around a week or two. We have built corporate partnerships that support advancement grants for team travel expenses.”
On the ground, UVM Extension plays a variety of roles that uplift the FIRST community in Vermont. Kenton elaborates:“ It comes down to outreach, making sure coaches are supported, and giving youth opportunities to apply STEM skills through activities like this competition. We also hope to bring more campus-based researchers into the conversation, such as people who are studying robotics in fine detail, so students can see how their work connects to real-world applications.”
The UVM CALS – CEMS partnership also fuels adjacent programs, such as summer science educators, undergraduate mentors, and coach training, which integrate real-world academic research and positive youth development.
The operational backbone is strong, as are the results:“ Kids learn to‘ fail better’ through the program,” says Kenton.“ If your robot breaks down at a tournament, it’ s pretty normal that other teams will lend you parts or advice or help you reprogram it.” The way Kenton sees it, the payoff reaches far beyond the season.“ These kids are miles ahead at being work-ready and good at teamwork,” notes Kenton, adding that colleges and employers recognize it.“ There are scholarships at a lot of universities that specifically focus on FIRST alumni.” She cites a favorite line from a colleague:“ FIRST is the only sport where every kid can go pro.”
FIRST in Vermont: Building a Statewide Network
While UVM provides the infrastructure for Vermont’ s FTC programs through Vermont 4-H, the statewide nonprofit, FIRST in Vermont, has become the essential framework behind youth robotics programs across all age levels. Founded in 2022, it has grown rapidly into a multipurpose organization that creates access, secures funding, forges partnerships, and ensures that robotics opportunities reach students in every corner of the state.
“ Initially, the organizers of FIRST in Vermont were active coaches and supporters within the state in various different roles,” explains Mark Drapa, Board President.“ I think there was a recognition that in order to reach the next level of growth and to provide the teams with the support they needed, there had to be some more for-
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