FIRST in Vermont News
Video: Beep, Boop — a FIRST in Vermont
5/20/2025: Check out this news segment produced by “Across the Fence”, which showcases Vermont’s first-ever FRC District Event, held at UVM’s Patrick Gym in March of 2025. In this video, FIRSTinVT Board President Mark Drapa discusses the impact that the FIRST Robotics Competition has on young people, and students discuss how the program has shaped their lives and their futures.
Across the Fence is the longest-running locally-produced program in the US, and is produced by University of Vermont Extension.
Article: Vermont’s Student Robotics Community Comes of Age
3/19/2025: In this article by Seven Days Vermont, Vermont’s brand new FRC (FIRST Robotics Competition) UVM District event is highlighted! Additionally, the article spotlights FRC Team 9101, Green Mountain Robotics, from Chittenden County, Vermont. Their latest creation, Champ, is a sophisticated robot designed for the FIRST Robotics Competition, featuring an extendable elevator and autonomous navigation capabilities.
Vermont's robotics community has seen significant growth, now boasting participation rates at or above the national average, thanks to initiatives like the Argosy Foundation grant and the dedication of local educators and mentors. The article highlights how FIRST Robotics fosters a cooperative spirit and cultivates versatile skills in students, preparing them for diverse career paths beyond STEM fields.
2/14/2025: The University of Vermont reports on the excitement at the 2025 Vermont FIRST Tech Challenge, held at South Burlington High School, where 22 teams from across the state showcased their engineering prowess. This vibrant robotics competition, organized by the global non-profit FIRST, challenges students to design, build, and program robots to tackle a series of tasks. The event, themed "INTO THE DEEP," saw robots navigating complex courses, embodying the spirit of innovation and teamwork. The Vermont FTC program, supported by UVM's College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, UVM Extension, and Vermont 4-H, has grown significantly, becoming a premier technology showcase that inspires young engineers and fosters essential STEM skills.
Article: 2025 Vermont FIRST Tech Challenge
Article: Global Foundries hosts Vermont State Championship for FIRST LEGO League
2/1/2025: Vermont Business Magazine highlights a vibrant and inspiring day at Global Foundries, where over 50 volunteers welcomed 38 FIRST LEGO League teams for the Vermont State Championship. Held at GF's Essex Junction location, the event saw more than 270 elementary students showcasing their LEGO robots and innovative projects in a thrilling competition. As the state program sponsor, Global Foundries hosted the championship in its newly refurbished event space, marking a significant milestone for FIRST in Vermont. The day was filled with energy, passion, and demonstrations of advanced robotics, leaving a lasting impression on participants and attendees alike, with many praising it as the best FIRST event Vermont has hosted.
Article: FIRST Robotics Prepares to Extend Its Reach to More Vermont Students
10/19/2022: In an article by Seven Days Vermont, the thriving robotics program at Westford School is highlighted as a beacon of STEM education, credited to the dedicated efforts of volunteers and parents. This small school's enthusiasm stands out in Vermont, where robotics programs are less common, particularly in rural areas. Thanks to a $375,000 grant from the Argosy Foundation, barriers to starting new programs are being reduced, providing financial and technical support to expand FIRST in Vermont. The program encourages collaboration and innovation, with students engaging in challenges that develop both technical and social skills. FIRST's impact extends beyond robotics, serving as a workforce development tool and opening educational opportunities, with colleges offering significant scholarships to participants.
