Houston becomes epicenter for inspiring youth nationwide in STEM
Thousands of participants, coaches, mentors, and parents pack venues across the U.S. for a program that continues to expand nationally and globally to impact the future workforce with STEM skills.
Houston continues to emerge as a tech hub hosting the 2025 FIRST ® Robotics Texas State Championship and World Championship as the nation and the world look for STEM readiness to prepare the workforce of the future.
Held April 2-5 and April 16-19, these competitions combine the excitement of sport with the rigors of engineering to create an unforgettable experience. Aramco supports the global program which has proven to be impactful.
Aramco Americas Public Affairs representative Susan Gonzalez visits with Houston’s G.W. Carver High School pit crew to learn more about the mechanics of their robot. Carver is in the Acres Homes neighborhood and an Aldine ISD Magnet school for Applied Technology, Engineering & the Arts.
Creating an impactful future workforce
In the U.S. Aramco supports competitions helping FIRST expand access to its afterschool program for high school students across Texas, Michigan, and the Chesapeake Region which includes Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC.
With the company’s support FIRST has added hundreds of new teams and helped to support 7,000 students since its engagement in 2023.
High-quality STEM learning opportunities like FIRST Robotics are proving to be powerful. Research shows that these engaging, hands-on applications of science and technology can increase a student’s career interest by up to 80 percent. Most importantly, it is helping to get them ready to easily transition into the workforce job skills.
Teams are laser focused and at the controls guiding their robots.
Statistics from the National Science Foundation show that the STEM talent pipeline in the U.S. is not growing quickly enough to meet the demand for skills needed in subjects like science, engineering, technology, and math.
FIRST aims to change that by inspiring and cultivating these interests. “We empower students to be successful in post-secondary education along gaining vocational skills plus the soft skills necessary to become effective team members and future leaders,” said FIRST in Texas Board Chair Eric van Gemeren.
Aramco attracts attention at FIRST Robotics Texas State Championship with the numerous career possibilities working for a global energy company.
Aramco offered opening remarks for the Texas State, Michigan, and Chesapeake Region State Championships praising students for their amazing work plus creativity and teamwork. This year’s competition, ReefscapeSM, featured mechanical creations racing against the clock to restore a coral reef before their opponents.
The Texas State Championship featured 81 teams with over 2,000 students competing. The World Championship brings more than 230 teams with 25,000 of the best and brightest students from across the globe.
The Spectrum team from St. Agnes Academy and Strake Jesuit College Prep High Schools in Houston were inspired by innovation taking place in space and with engine technology. FIRST Robotics provides hands-on applications for teaching STEM skills through robotics.
“Geared Up” to create a network of mentors
FIRST’s success depends on adult mentors who volunteer their time and knowledge guiding teams of students. FIRST Chesapeake hosts a Geared-Up Mentor Conference designed to support program success. Over 200 mentors are expected to attend the event which will include workshops, panels, and networking.
FIRST is the largest youth serving STEM not-for-profit, reaching millions of students in 28 countries and regions.
