Meet DoD STEM at the 2024 FIRST Championship

April 17 - April 19 | Booth 501

The U.S. Department of Defense is proud to support FIRST as part of our commitment to inspiring and developing the next generation of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) leaders and innovators.

FIRST Championship
FIRST Championship
FIRST Championship
Team DoD STEM

Visit the DoD STEM Booth in the Innovation Faire

Pick up fun giveaways at our booth in the Innovation Faire and learn how you can work on cutting-edge projects solving real-world problems alongside DoD STEM scientists, engineers, manufacturers, and more!

Check out the SMART Booth in Scholarship Row!

Learn about the Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program in Scholarship Row.

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Find scholarships, internships, and other opportunities to propel your future STEM career!

DoD STEM supports a wide variety of activities including after-school programs, paid internships, and scholarships. Learn about STEM opportunities near you.

View all DoD STEM Opportunities

Explore STEM Careers

Scientists and engineers work across a wide range of career pathways throughout STEM fields. Explore different types of STEM careers and see what ignites your curiosity!

STEM Outside

DoD STEM is pleased to bring two unique STEM learning experiences to the Avenida De Las Americas during FIRST Championship. Enjoy immersive career exploration in Learning Undefeated's Drop Anywhere LabTM and explore digital fabrication in the STEM-On-the-Go mobile design lab, powered by Teaching Institute for Excellence in STEM (TIES).

STEM On-the-Go
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Visit Us
Outside the
George R. Brown
Convention Center

STEM On-the-Go
First Team

FAQs for DoD STEM-sponsored FIRST Teams and Applicants


  • To be eligible for DoD STEM funding, teams must have a DoDEA or DoD mentor or coach. This requirement provides a means for the DoD workforce - educators, scientists, and engineers - to achieve sustained engagement with students, parents, teachers, and the public in STEM initiatives.
  • DoD STEM places an emphasis on supporting teams and communities with the following criteria:
    • Teams affiliated with DoDEA schools.
    • Teams affiliated with military impacted schools or communities.
    • Teams affiliated with Title 1 schools or communities.
  • If you meet these eligibility requirements and would like additional information, please complete the DoD STEM FIRST Team Grant Inquiry.

  • DoD STEM Robotics Grants provide funding for preseason costs to field a team or class pack in one of the five FIRST programs as well as registration grants to the end of season FIRST Championships.
    • DoD STEM Robotics Grants for FLL Discover, FLL Explore, FLL Challenge, and FTC teams typically include funding for registration as well as specific, pre-approved products that teams can order for that season.
    • DoD STEM Robotics Grants for FRC teams typically ONLY include funding for season registration.


  • Eligible teams may apply at first.dodstem.us.
  • DoD STEM will only review and consider application submitted through this portal.
  • To ensure adherence to the DoDEA or DoD mentor or coach requirement, the portal may only be accessed by email addresses ending in “.mil” or “.dodea” and requires a passcode provided via DoD STEM.
  • Applications are typically open May-June, annually.

About DoD STEM

DoD STEM supports hands-on learning opportunities, teacher enrichment, scholarships, internships and fellowships to inspire and cultivate a diverse pool of exceptional STEM talent. As the government’s largest employer of STEM professionals, the U.S. Department of Defense is committed to increasing the pipeline of candidates qualified for technical careers.

In 2021, DoD Offered
149 Programs serving

890KStudents

17kK-12 Schools

31kEducators

1.7kColleges and Universities

Source: DoD STEM Year in Review FY 2021