Become a Volunteer at FIRST® in Missouri
Join a global robotics community preparing young people for the future.
No technical experience required!
Join us in shaping the next generation of changemakers! Having fun, feeling energized, and being fulfilled are all benefits of volunteering with FIRST.
When you join our community, you’ll experience the excitement that our programs can be for students and adults alike. It does not matter whether you have four hours on a weekend, want to mentor or coach for a season, or just want to be a part of the overall experience – there are opportunities for every kind of volunteer.
When you say, “Yes, I want to help!” you’re also helping our non-profit organisation fuel its mission of changing the world – one student at a time.
Volunteers are the heart of FIRST in Missouri. Corporate employees, educators, parents, retirees, and college students come together to power every event. Whether you can give a few hours or support throughout the season, no technical experience is required!
Make a Real Impact – Help students build confidence, teamwork, and a passion for STEM.
Join a Vibrant Community – With cheering crowds and fast-paced matches, a FIRST event is a varsity sport for the mind. It’s loud, inspiring, and unforgettable.
Gain New Skills – Receive training, build leadership skills, and connect with passionate mentors and STEM supporters across Missouri.
Types of Volunteers
STUDENTS:
Grades Pre-K-8
TIME COMMITMENT:
1 Weekend day
8:00am-5:00pm
EVENT SEASON:
December- February
JUDGE AGE:
Minimum 15 y.o.
STUDENTS:
Grades 9 - 12
TIME COMMITMENT:
1 Weekend day
8:00am-5:00pm
EVENT SEASON:
December- March
JUDGE AGE:
Minimum 18 y.o. and
post high school. 21
preferred
STUDENTS:
Grades 9 - 12
TIME COMMITMENT:
TWO day commitment
Required to attend BOTH days
Events take place either Friday & Saturday OR
Saturday & Sunday
8:00am - 5:00pm daily
EVENT SEASON:
March - April
JUDGE AGE:
Minimum 18 y.o. and
post high school. 21
preferred
Easy Steps to becoming a Volunteer
Step 1: Register your information
If you are new to volunteering with FIRST, you will need to create a profile on the FIRST Headquarters website. Click here to setup a FIRST account. You can access the FIRST Volunteer Registration User Guide here Once you have activated your FIRST account, you will be able to complete the “About You” and “Expertise” sections . The information in these sections will help us match you to volunteering roles that fit your interests. This information will also be helpful by providing us with dietary restrictions for catering, proper shirts size, and any physical limitations that may prohibit you from participating in certain volunteering roles.
Step 3: Background Check for Volunteers
FIRST is serious about student safety. We strive to create an environment in which team members can grow, learn, and have fun with minimal risk of injury. To ensure we are creating a safe environment for all FIRST team members, every adult volunteer from the United States and Canada must complete a background screening through our Volunteer Registration process.
Step 4: Additional Support to Become a Volunteer
We are excited that you are interested in volunteering with FIRST! To contact us directly for additional support for volunteering with FIRST, send us a message using the “I want to find out more!” form on this page or click here to send us a message directly from the contact page.
FAQ's
Age Requirement
Is there an age requirement for volunteering? The only requirement is that you must be 13 years or older to volunteer.
Affiliation
Do I need to be affiliated with a student or school to volunteer? No, you do not need to be affiliated with a student or school to volunteer. FIRST Volunteers are people from all walks of life that come together to lead by example in the ways of science, technology, and citizenship.
Volunteer at Specific Events
How do I volunteer for specific events and volunteering roles?
Meals/ Food
Are meals provided for volunteers at events? Yes, we do provide meals for most volunteering positions. If you have any dietary restrictions, please indicate those in the “About You” section of the Volunteer Registration System.
Time Commitment
What is the time commitment for volunteering? FIRST volunteer opportunities vary in time commitment depending on the volunteering role. You, your family, and your available free time can decide together how much time you can devote to the program. Even if you only have a few weekend hours to commit, your time will be well utilized by providing a positive impact on the lives of young people participating in the program.
Time of Year
What time of year does volunteering occur? FIRST volunteering opportunities typically occur during the school year (August – May). Since each of FIRST’s programs has a unique season calendar, there are great opportunities to support each of the programs as a volunteer throughout the year.
Location of Events
Where are volunteer opportunities located? FIRST serves many areas of St. Louis including urban, suburban and rural parts of our region. Whether you are volunteering for an event or with a team as a mentor, there is likely a volunteering opportunity available to you within a short drive of your home. Feel free contact us directly for additional information about volunteering opportunities and locations in the St. Louis area.
