About Us

Southern Illinois FIRST is a regional committee formed in 2014 to support the FIRST family of robotics programs in southern Illinois.  We were chartered as an a 501(c)3 charitable organization by the IRS and registered with the State of Illinois as a non-profit corporation in 2015.

Our organizational objectives are:

  • Hosting and sponsoring FIRST robotics-related educational (K-12) events and activities in Southern Illinois
  • Supporting and sponsoring Jr FIRST LEGO League (Jr FLL)/FIRST LEGO League (FLL) /FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC)/FIRST Robotics Challenge (FRC) robotics teams.
  • Engendering interest in science and engineering education through robotics.
  • Participating in events to raise the profile of science and engineering education in the community.

Membership is open to any interested party.  There are no membership dues or fees.  The functions of the committee are led by a five member Board of Directors, nominated and elected by the general membership.  The Board of Directors for 2016 consist of Mary Buchanan, Mike Harvey, Karen Johnson, Tara Primeaux, and Emily Stanley

Since 2014, we have sponsored or provided financial support to over three dozen FIRST teams and hosted over two dozen workshops, clinics, development sessions, practice scrimmages, and qualifying events.

We aggressively seek to grow the number of program participants and teams in the southern Illinois.

Our funding is derived from grants, stipends from the national and state FIRST organizations, and fundraising at FIRST events.

We welcome offers of volunteer, functional, and financial assistance.