RTX's FIRST Grant Program

Geographic Scope: Select geographies including Arizona (Phoenix/Tucson), California (Fresno, Los Angeles), Connecticut (Greater Hartford area), DC (Greater Washington DC area), Florida (Miami, Palm Beach), Massachusetts (Greater Boston area), North Carolina (Charlotte, Winston-Salem), Puerto Rico (Santa Isabel, Aguadilla), Texas (Greater Dallas area), and other locations upon request.

Focus Areas:

• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)
• FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) participation
• Work-based learning experiences
• Career exploration in technology and engineering fields
• Access and equity in STEM education

Eligibility:

• NAF academies in selected geographies
• Schools must have students in FIRST-eligible programs (AOF, AOE, AOIT academies)
• Teams must be registered with FIRST before applying

What They Fund:

• Grants to support FIRST participation and team expenses
• Employee mentors from RTX to help prepare students and educators
• Mentor matching for schools within 20 miles of RTX offices

Key Benefits:

• FIRST competition qualifies as internship in NAFTrack
• Potential for mentor support from RTX employees
• Access to proven STEM engagement and leadership development programs
• Addresses disparity in resources for underserved students

Background:
FIRST was founded in 1989 to inspire young people's interest and participation in science and technology. It is proven to encourage students to pursue STEM education and careers, inspire leadership and innovation, and enhance 21st century work-life skills.

Contact:

• Soley Gonzalez, Senior Director, Partnership Activation: sgonzalez@naf.org
• Sonia Inam, Senior Manager, Partnership Activation: sinam@naf.org

Application Process

Step 1: Interest Form

• Complete the Grant interest form to sign up for the RTX FIRST Grant information session
• Deadline: Friday, September 15, 2023

Step 2: FIRST Team Registration

• Register your team on the FIRST website before applying for the grant
• Obtain Team Number from confirmation email
• Critical Note: Application will not be approved if missing a team number

Step 3: Information Session & Application

• Participate in a RTX FIRST Grant Info Session hosted by NAF in September
• Receive grant application link during information session
• Submit completed grant application
• Deadline: Saturday, September 30, 2023

Required Materials:

• FIRST Team Number (mandatory)
• Grant application form (provided at info session)
• Optional: Request for RTX employee mentor (if school is within 20 miles of RTX office)

Additional Requirements:

• Mentor request requires school location to be within 20 miles of RTX office
• RTX will attempt to match eligible schools with employee mentors