The FIRST in Upper Midwest (FUM) Diversity and Inclusion Committee seeks to promote access to the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) program, facilitating the increased participation of students, mentors and volunteers from underserved and underrepresented groups, and fostering a welcoming climate of inclusion that supports the success of all people in the FRC program. It does so by:
- Advocating for making FRC in the upper Midwest more accessible, diverse, inclusive and equitable
- Working to remove barriers that hinder the participation of underserved and underrepresented students, mentors and volunteers
- Recognizing and disseminating best practices for fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion
- Monitoring changes in the participation of students, mentors and volunteers from underserved and underrepresented groups
- Obtaining feedback from the FUM community on program climate
- Serving as a diversity and inclusion resource for the FUM community
FEI FI FO FUM Grant Program
The FIRST Equity & Inclusion Financing Initiative for FIRST in Upper Midwest (FEI FI FO FUM) will provide FUM FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) teams with a grant to implement a project that will make changes to culture and increase the participation and/or success of underserved, underrepresented and/or vulnerable populations in FIRST Robotics in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.
The reports below describe the work completed by FRC teams that have received a FEI FI FO FUM grant:
December 2020 funding opportunity:
Team 2491
Team 3130
Team 8586
October 2021 funding opportunity:
Team 1816
May 2022 funding opportunity:
Team 2220
Team 2549
Team 2823
Team 3134
Team 3275
Team 3291
Team 5653
Team 7235
Call for Committee Members!
FUM is seeking individuals who would like to join the Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Members of the committee will attend regular meetings (once every 1-2 months, either in person or by videoconference), and participate on subcommittees involved in the implementation of specific initiatives.
We particularly encourage and invite individuals with a diversity of backgrounds and experiences to join the committee. We welcome participation from current FRC students, mentors, coaches, and volunteers, as well as FRC alumni!
If you would like to join the committee, please click here to complete a brief application form.
We welcome your participation and ideas. Thank you for your interest!
Questions? Contact:
Yoji Shimizu
FIRST in Upper Midwest
Chair, Diversity and Inclusion Committee