FIRST Chesapeake Mission: The mission of FIRST Chesapeake (dba VirginiaFIRST) is 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. It is our vision to make FIRST STEM-based leadership programs a reality for every young person in the DC/ MD/ VA area. FIRST Chesapeake administers FIRST (For Inspiration of Science and Technology) programs to middle and high school students in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. There are over 6,700 students on over 300 FIRST Chesapeake teams. These teams work together to build robots and compete in local arenas each year, with the involvement of over 650 mentors and coaches. Visit www.firstchesapeake.org for information on competitions throughout the DC/ MD/ VA area. FIRST Chesapeake works closely with it's elementary school partner, VA/DC FIRST LEGO League (http://va-dcfll.org/) to ensure a continuum of quality STEM-based leadership programs from kindergarten through 12th grade.