Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

FIRST Canada's Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

FIRST, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community for all our participants. We are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion. We embrace and encourage differences in race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, income or any other characteristics that make our adult-force and students unique.

Building STEM literacy and confidence is required to be successful in nearly every endeavour in today’s technology-rich society. STEM competence and confidence creates pathways to well-paying jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities in the fastest-growing fields, creating the potential for young people to achieve purposeful and prosperous lives.

Collectively, we must enable our young people to grow up to solve the world’s most pressing problems, be strong citizens, and build a brighter future. FIRST is committed to bringing its programs to students who would benefit most, and is actively engaged in developing strategies that will ensure greater access to its programs and reduce inequalities.
 
three girls looking at a laptop at a FIRST event
 
 

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Team Resources

black cover of a booklet with doodles of people holding hands with the title Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: Keeping it Real on our Teams

Keeping it Real on our teams’ workshops is part of the ongoing initiatives FIRST will undertake to fulfill its commitment to EDI. The seminar provides an opportunity to begin a conversation on diversity and explore welcoming and inclusive spaces for all youth. Read the full guide.

green cover of a booklet with FIRST logo and the title Your Future in Code with little robots below it

In the Girls in STEM: Your Future in Code magazine, you’ll discover some cool coding facts and history about the industry, meet super-talented women doing fascinating jobs, and learn about where you might find your place in this amazing field! Read the magazine.

girl holding a microphone at the front of the room with a sticky board beside her

A Girls in FIRST Conference is an excellent way to connect with young women interested in participating in FIRST programs. View more information on how to run mini girls in STEM conference.

EDI resources and training will equip mentors to create diverse, inclusive and equitable teams. This complimentary, three-part training module course is available for anyone in the FIRST community.

Girls in STEM

The Girls in STEM Executive Advisory Council offers insight and oversight that will help us break down the barriers of girls in STEM, encourage girls and young women to become innovative and successful leaders of the future, and build the foundation for systematic change for acceptance and inclusion of girls in STEM. Learn more about them.

Past  VP of Partnerships Kim Cooper released her book Girls in Science: Voices for Change. Proceeds of this book will be donated to FIRST Canada’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity initiatives. It includes fresh ideas on equity and diversity based on youthful thinking and presents tangible and practical guidelines for inclusion in schools, workplaces and communities. Learn more.