{"id":613,"date":"2025-04-24T10:05:51","date_gmt":"2025-04-24T10:05:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/firststepforward.org\/?page_id=613"},"modified":"2025-08-18T00:50:04","modified_gmt":"2025-08-18T00:50:04","slug":"who-we-are","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/firststepforward.org\/index.php\/who-we-are\/","title":{"rendered":"Who We Are"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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OUR MISSION<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\"\ud83d\udd25\" Our Mission<\/b><\/p>\n

To inspire. To empower. To eliminate barriers in STEM learning\u2014so that every student, from rural towns to inner cities, from first-generation learners to future leaders, has the tools to dream big and build boldly.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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\ud83c\udf0d Who We Serve<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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We are building bridges for:<\/p>

  • Girls and young women<\/li>
  • Students in rural or low-income communities<\/li>
  • First-generation students<\/li>
  • Learners with limited access to resources<\/li>
  • Anyone who is curious to Learn STEM<\/li><\/ul>

    Through inclusive programming, mentorship, community outreach<\/strong>, and student-led leadership, we are rewriting what opportunity looks like in the world of STEM.<\/p>

    \ud83d\udca1 What We Offer<\/strong><\/p>

    \ud83d\udcda STEM Courses \u2014 Ignite your curiosity<\/em><\/strong><\/p>

    \ud83e\uddec Biology & Health <\/strong>\ud83e\udde0 Cell Biology <\/strong>\ud83e\uddea Genetics Learning <\/strong>\ud83e\uddcd Anatomy & Physiology <\/strong>\ud83e\uddec Molecular Biology <\/strong>\ud83e\udde0 Cognitive Psychology <\/strong>\ud83e\udec0 CPR & First Aid <\/strong>\ud83c\udf31 Physical & Mental Health <\/strong>\ud83e\ude90 Asteroid Hunt <\/strong>\ud83d\udd2c Evolution <\/strong>\u269b\ufe0f Cellular Energetics<\/strong><\/p>

    \ud83e\uddee Physics & Chemistry <\/strong>\ud83c\udf21\ufe0f Newton Dynamics <\/strong>\ud83e\uddeb Chemistry Basics<\/strong><\/p>

    \ud83d\udcbb Computer Science & Tech <\/strong>\ud83d\udcbb Python Basics <\/strong>\ud83d\udda5 Java Basics <\/strong>\ud83d\udcca Data Science Basics <\/strong>\ud83e\udd16 AI & Machine Learning <\/strong>\ud83d\udd10 Cybersecurity & Digital Literacy <\/strong>\u2601\ufe0f Cloud Technologies <\/strong>\ud83c\udfae Game Design & App Development<\/strong><\/p>

    \ud83d\udd27 Engineering & Innovation <\/strong>\ud83e\udd16 Robotics <\/strong>\ud83d\udd0c Circuits <\/strong>\ud83c\udfd7 Intro to Civil Engineering <\/strong>\u2708\ufe0f Aerospace Engineering <\/strong>\ud83c\udf0d Environmental Engineering <\/strong>\ud83d\udd0b Renewable Energy Projects <\/strong>\ud83e\uddd1\u200d<\/strong>\ud83d\udcbb Software Engineering Basics<\/strong><\/p>

    \u2797 Mathematics & Logic <\/strong>\ud83d\udcd0 Algebra at a High Level <\/strong>\ud83e\uddee Matrices <\/strong>\ud83d\udcca Patterns and Series <\/strong>\ud83d\udccf Trigonometry Basics <\/strong>\ud83d\udcd8 Geometry Concepts <\/strong>\ud83d\udcc8 Probability & Statistics <\/strong>\ud83e\udde0 Math Puzzles<\/strong><\/p>

    \ud83d\udee0\ufe0f STEM Workshops \u2014 Create. Connect. Lead.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>

    \ud83c\udf93 STEM & Coding Workshops <\/strong>\ud83e\uddd8 Yoga for Well-Being <\/strong>\ud83e\udde0 Mental Health Awareness <\/strong>\ud83c\udfa4 Public Speaking <\/strong>\ud83d\udca1 Creative Thinking & Innovation Hub <\/strong>\ud83e\udde9 Quiz Competitions <\/strong>\u2764\ufe0f CPR & First Aid Awareness <\/strong>\ud83e\ude78 Blood Donation Drives <\/strong>\ud83c\udf10 Community Outreach <\/strong>\ud83e\udd1d Collaborative Learning (Think-Pair-Share) <\/strong>\ud83c\udf08 Embracing Diversity <\/strong>\ud83e\udde0 Brainstorming & Debate Sessions <\/strong>\ud83e\uddfe Chain Notes Activities <\/strong>\ud83d\udce2 Interactive Presentations <\/strong>\ud83e\udded Embracing Feedback \u2014 Educating & Empowering <\/strong>\ud83c\udf97 Fundraising Initiatives<\/strong><\/p>

    \ud83c\udf93 Student Leadership & Volunteering<\/strong> We invite middle and high school students to lead with us\u2014earning community service hours, gaining leadership experience, and becoming mentors and role models in their schools and neighborhoods.<\/p>

    \ud83d\udde3 Speaker Spotlight \u2014 Fueling Futures with Real-World Voices<\/em><\/strong><\/p>

    Every student deserves more than just a textbook\u2014they deserve a voice that sparks vision<\/strong>.<\/p>

    Through our Speaker Spotlight series<\/strong>, we bring in dynamic industry professionals\u2014scientists, engineers, tech entrepreneurs, healthcare heroes, environmental trailblazers, and innovators across every STEM field\u2014who share their journeys, challenges, and breakthroughs with our student community.<\/p>

    These aren\u2019t just talks. They\u2019re moments of ignition. \u2728<\/p>

    \u201cYou can’t be what you can’t see\u201d<\/em><\/strong>\u2014 Marian Wright Edelman<\/p>

    Our spotlights connect passion with possibility<\/strong>, helping students see what\u2019s ahead and believe in what\u2019s possible. Whether it\u2019s a NASA engineer discussing space exploration or a software developer talking about AI for good, each session opens doors\u2014and minds.<\/p>

    At First Step Forward, we don\u2019t just teach STEM\u2014we bring it to life.<\/strong>\ud83c\udfa4\ud83c\udf0d\ud83d\ude80<\/p>

    \ud83c\udf31 Take Your First Step<\/strong><\/p>

    This is more than a nonprofit\u2014it\u2019s a movement. A movement to spark curiosity<\/strong>, break down barriers<\/strong>, and build a future<\/strong> where STEM is for everyone<\/em>.<\/p>

    No matter where you’re from or where you’re starting\u2014your journey begins here<\/strong>.<\/p>

    \ud83d\udd17 Join us \ud83d\ude80Learn STEM. Lead Change. Take your First Step Forward.<\/strong><\/p>

    \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>

    \ud83d\ude4c A Grateful Tribute to Our Changemakers<\/strong><\/p>

    We extend our deepest gratitude to our incredible students, dedicated volunteers, visionary leadership team, generous donors and sponsors, collaborative partners, empowering chapter heads, and inspiring guest speakers.<\/strong><\/p>

    Your time, wisdom, encouragement, and unwavering belief in this mission have fueled First Step Forward every step of the way. Because of your support, what began as a spark of compassion is now a nationwide movement lighting the way for a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow.<\/strong><\/p>

    Together, we’re not just spreading STEM education\u2014we’re building futures, empowering minds, and shaping the changemakers of today and tomorrow.<\/strong><\/p>

    Thank you for walking alongside us. <\/strong>\ud83c\udf31\ud83d\ude80\ud83d\udc9b<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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    What We Do<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    At First Step Forward<\/strong>, we design and deliver free STEM workshops, courses, events, and mentorship programs<\/strong> aimed at equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to succeed. All of our programming is created and led by students, for students\u2014bringing fresh energy, relatability, and peer-based support into STEM learning. Our workshops focus on hands-on projects, real-world problem solving, and creativity. Whether it\u2019s building simple machines, learning to code, experimenting with chemistry, or exploring the wonders of space, we aim to show students that STEM is not only educational\u2014it\u2019s exciting, empowering, and within reach.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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    Our Vision<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    We envision a future where every student, regardless of circumstance, feels confident exploring the world of science, technology, engineering, and math. We strive to close the opportunity gap by reaching those who are historically underrepresented in STEM, including:<\/p>

    • Girls and young women<\/strong><\/li>
    • Students in rural or low-income communities<\/strong><\/li>
    • First-generation students<\/strong><\/li>
    • Learners with limited access to STEM resources<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>

      Through mentorship, community support, and inclusive programming, we aim to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders, innovators, and changemakers.<\/strong><\/p>

      \u00a0Join the Movement<\/strong><\/p>

      \ud83c\udf1fStep Into STEM\u2014Step Up for Change!<\/strong>\ud83c\udf1f<\/p>

      We invite students across the country to join us\u2014whether you\u2019re eager to learn<\/strong> or passionate about teaching and leading. We are currently seeking middle and high school volunteers across the United States<\/strong> to help grow our mission, lead workshops, and spread STEM education in their communities.<\/p>

      Volunteers receive:<\/strong><\/p>

      • Verified community service hours<\/strong><\/li>
      • Leadership experience<\/strong> for college applications and resumes<\/li>
      • Awards and recognition<\/strong><\/li>
      • The opportunity to make a meaningful impact by giving back<\/li><\/ul>

        \u00a0Start Learning Today<\/strong><\/p>

        \ud83d\udca1Interested in STEM?<\/strong><\/p>

        Whether you\u2019re just getting started or looking to deepen your skills, our free programs are open to all. Fill out our registration form and gain access to:<\/p>

        • Interactive STEM workshops<\/li>
        • Online and in-person learning opportunities<\/li>
        • Mentorship from experienced student leaders<\/li>
        • A supportive community passionate about STEM<\/li><\/ul>

          \u00a0Take Your First Step Forward<\/strong><\/p>

          First Step Forward is more than a nonprofit\u2014it\u2019s a movement.<\/strong> A movement to break down barriers, light the spark of curiosity, and create a world where every student has the tools to succeed.<\/p>

          \ud83d\udd17 Learn STEM for FREE.<\/p>

          \ud83d\ude80 Step Into STEM. Step Up for Change.<\/p>

          \ud83c\udf31 Take your First Step Forward\u2014Start today.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

          OUR MISSION Our Mission To inspire. To empower. To eliminate barriers in STEM learning\u2014so that every student, from rural towns […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"no-sidebar","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"full-width-container","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"disabled","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"disabled","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-613","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/firststepforward.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/613","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/firststepforward.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/firststepforward.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/firststepforward.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/firststepforward.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=613"}],"version-history":[{"count":160,"href":"https:\/\/firststepforward.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/613\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3315,"href":"https:\/\/firststepforward.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/613\/revisions\/3315"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/firststepforward.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=613"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}