Breaking Bias, Building Bots: How SWE Can Shape FIRST Robotics

FIRST Robotics is a global program designed to inspire students to pursue STEM through annual robot-building competitions. Like SWE, FIRST seeks to cultivate an inclusive environment where anyone can develop the technical and leadership skills to excel in STEM. With similar DE&I goals, why is there a gap when it comes to female participation in FIRST? In this session, participants will hear firsthand experiences from a FIRST Robotics mentor and the girls on her team about overcoming obstacles such as imposter syndrome and gender bias. By showcasing data on female participation in FIRST and the impact of SWE members as volunteers, this session will highlight the importance of female representation at all levels — from students to coaches to event volunteers. Attendees will leave with the tools and best practices to support female students in robotics and learn how to get involved with FIRST Robotics in their own communities.