Studios’ 2020-2021 youth robotics collaboration, FIRST Game Changers, powered by ‘Star Wars: Force for Change,’ helps expand STEM learning for students around the world.
MANCHESTER, N.H., and BURBANK, CA ― Lucasfilm, parent company Disney, and the global PreK-12 nonprofit organization FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) today announced they are teaming up once again for the 2020-2021 youth robotics season, FIRST GAME CHANGERS powered by Star Wars: Force for Change. In this year’s sports and fitness-themed season, students around the world will compete in robotics challenges, exploring what it means to be “forces for change” by revolutionizing the way we play and move so people of all abilities and skill levels can participate.
The ongoing collaboration with FIRST, a global robotics community that reaches more than 679,000 students in over 100 countries, enables Disney and Lucasfilm to expand access to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) learning to more young people around the world to help them envision a brighter, more inclusive future. As a newly recognized FIRST Strategic Partner focused on reducing barriers to Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), LatinX and female students, Disney and Lucasfilm are providing additional financial support as well as mentorship and storytelling opportunities to inspire the next generation, strengthening and diversifying interest in science and technology careers.
"We are thrilled to collaborate with FIRST again this year and engage young people in STEM learning," says Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy. "Educating our youth and providing access to FIRST programs for students of all backgrounds has never been so important as it is right now. I can't wait to see the talent and potential this new season brings."
During the 2019-2020 FIRST season, with funding provided by Disney and Lucasfilm, FIRST expanded access to STEM programs to 112,000 students in underserved and underrepresented communities, impacting 10,000 robotics teams through its equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives. This year, Disney and Lucasfilm will continue to bring more hands-on learning opportunities and mentorship to youth, empowering them to not only think big, but to develop the skills needed to become the next generation of heroes and innovators.
“With generous financial and creative support from Disney and Lucasfilm during our 2019-2020 season, youth participation in FIRST programs increased by 18 percent globally and by 20 percent in U.S. underserved and underrepresented communities,” said Larry Cohen, president of FIRST. “When our season was interrupted by the pandemic, students were inspired by the FIRST Core Values and the call to be a “force for change” to help support their local communities when needed most. The mission of FIRST has never been more important than it is today, and we’re fortunate to continue our relationship with Disney and Lucasfilm to create a more inclusive culture and build a better future.”
More information on how to get involved in FIRST GAME CHANGERS powered by
Star Wars: Force for Change can be found at firstinspires.org/2021season.
Source: Lucasfilm
