About
Who we are
NE FIRST ® is the operational partner of the FIRST ® Robotics Competition in the six New England states and is supported by ingenuityNE, a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit public charity incorporated in the State of Connecticut.
NE FIRST is a robotics community dedicated to preparing youth for life and the workforce. Powered by a mission-driven global robotics community and evidence-based programs designed to ignite curiosity and encourage exploration, FIRST® prepares young people for the future and enhances their 21 st century work-life skills.
Supported by adult coaches, mentors, educators, volunteers, sponsors, and alumni, FIRST offers a progressive series of team robotics challenges for students aged 6-18. FIRST programs are designed with hands-on, real-world experiences known to increase interest and engagement in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and inspire today’s kids to build tomorrow’s leaders.
Research shows FIRST is advancing its mission to increase the number of students interested in STEM — and that interest is influencing their educational and career choices.
Our Mission
To support the FIRST global mission “to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.”
How we do it
NE FIRST provides accessible, innovative robotics 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 students gain skills in:
• Project management
• Time management
• Finances and budgeting
• Sales and marketing
• Safety and compliance
• Construction and engineering
• Advanced technology
• Troubleshooting
• Teamwork
• Presentation skills
• Competition
New England Contacts
Kim Pita
Interim Executive Director
Engagement & Advancement
Scott Heaton
New England Robotics & Logistics Director
Connecticut
Lisa Nollman
FLL Explore Partner
Mike Gentry
FLL Challenge Partner
Carol Scully
FTC Partner
Stacey Lynn Gray
FIRST Senior Mentor
Massachusetts & Rhode Island
Stephen Green
FLL Explore Partner
Dana Henry
Senior Mentor
New Hampshire & Vermont
Ken St. Hilaire
Senior Mentor
Maine
Steve Martin
Senior Mentor