Raytheon Technologies’ 2022-2023 FIRST Grant Program
Raytheon Technologies and NAF recognize that many students lack the resources necessary to participate in FIRST. In response to the disparity in resources, Raytheon Technologies, is providing grants and employee mentors to NAF academies in select geographies, creating more opportunities for access and equity for students in STEM.
What is FIRST?
Students will have the opportunity to build on their NAF AOF, AOE, and AOIT experiences by participating in FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology).
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was founded in 1989 to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology. Based in Manchester, NH, the 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity designs accessible, innovative programs that motivate young people to pursue education and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math, while building self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills.
FIRST is More Than Robots. FIRST participation is proven to encourage students to pursue education and careers in STEM-related fields, inspire them to become leaders and innovators, and enhance their 21st century work-life skills. Read more about the Impact of FIRST.
Step 1: Sign up for the Raytheon Technologies FIRST Grant information session hosted by NAF by completing the Grant interest form. The deadline for completing the interest form is Thursday, September 8, 2022.
Step 2: You must register your team on the FIRST website before applying for the grant. You will need the Team Number provided in the confirmation to complete the application. Please note- your application will not be approved if it is missing a team number.
Step 3: Participate in a Raytheon Technologies FIRST Grant Info Session hosted by NAF in September to receive the link for the grant application. The deadline to submit the grant application is Friday, September 30, 2022.
- Arizona – Phoenix/Tucson
- California
- Connecticut – Greater Hartford area
- DC – Greater Washington DC area
- Florida – Miami
- Florida – Orlando
- Florida – Palm Beach
- Massachusetts – Greater Boston area
- Michigan – Detroit
- North Carolina – Charlotte
- North Carolina – Winston-Salem
- Puerto Rico – Santa Isabel
- Puerto Rico – Aguadilla
- Texas – Greater Dallas area
- Other (please specify)
- The FIRST competition would qualify as an internship in NAFTrack. (As you know, our internship update includes CTSO or Business Focused Projects with business partner(s) assisting as project mentor/supervisor and completing the student’s internship assessment.)
- Academies within 20 miles of Raytheon Technologies offices can request a mentor from Raytheon in the application to help learners and educators prepare for the competition. Raytheon Technologies will attempt to match schools within 20 miles of its offices with a Raytheon employee.
- Research shows FIRST drives STEM engagement and outcomes
- How to prepare young people for the New World of Work
- 5 Ways FIRST Aligns Goals for Learning Outcomes 21st Century Students
If you have questions, please email Soley Gonzalez, Director, Corporate Engagement & Relations, at sgonzalez@naf.org.