FIRST Chesapeake
Non-profit OrganizationsVirginia, United States11-50 Employees
FIRST Chesapeake, doing business as VirginiaFIRST, is a non-profit organization based in Charlottesville, Virginia, that administers the FIRST programs for middle and high school students across the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region. The group aims to inspire young people to become science and technology leaders through mentor-based activities that develop skills in science, engineering, and technology, while also fostering confidence, communication, and leadership. Its efforts connect more than 6,700 students across hundreds of teams who build robots and compete in local events, supported by a network of mentors and coaches, and are aligned with an elementary-school partner to provide a continuum of STEM leadership programs from kindergarten through 12th grade. The organization operates within the non-profit education and youth development space and has a regional focus that includes partnerships and regular competitions, with notable activity and leadership updates reported, including a recent leadership retirement and a collaboration with Virginia State University.