FIRST in Texas celebrates ten years of service in the Rio Grande Valley 

MCALLEN, Texas – As the sun rose over McAllen on a milestone day, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. 

FIRST in Texas, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering STEM education, marked its 10th anniversary in serving the Rio Grande Valley by revealing the latest season challenge for the FIRST® Tech Challenge program. 

In a region that has long needed more educational programs like FIRST®, this celebration wasn’t just about a game—it was about a decade of transformation in the Rio Grande Valley, a community that has embraced the power of robotics to inspire and uplift its youth.

At the McAllen kickoff event, hosted at McAllen Memorial High School, students, educators, and community leaders gathered to witness the unveiling of INTO THE DEEP, a new challenge that will take students beneath the surface of the oceans to innovate solutions for a better future. Across Texas, similar kickoff events were held in eight different areas, each one brimming with teams representing a diversity of backgrounds and experiences. These University Interscholastic League (UIL) approved competitions will culminate in the 2025 State Championship in Belton, Texas, where the best of the best will showcase their ingenuity and teamwork.

For Jason Arms, one of the founders of FIRST RGV and now CEO of FIRST in Texas, the day was especially meaningful. Reflecting on his journey in supporting teams since 2014, Arms shared his deep pride in the growth and impact of FIRST® programs in the Valley. “In 2014, a few of us STEM enthusiasts came together to support the 40 or so robotics teams that existed in the Rio Grande Valley at the time,” Arms recalled. “Within just a few years, that number grew to more than 300 teams across all three programs, and we achieved parity with other regions in Texas in terms of representation and grant funding.” Arms’ vision and dedication have been instrumental in bringing STEM opportunities to a region that previously lacked the resources to fully participate in such programs.

What sets FIRST in Texas apart is its commitment to inclusivity and community building. Through strategic partnerships with local school leaders, Regional Education Service Centers (ESCs), and universities, the organization has created a supportive ecosystem that ensures students from all backgrounds have the chance to participate in robotics programs. The unique *Coopertition* format, which encourages students to help their competitors improve while striving for victory themselves, has become a cornerstone of the program’s success. This spirit of collaboration has empowered teams from underserved communities in the Rio Grande Valley to compete on the world stage, where they’ve faced off against the best robotics teams from around the globe.

FIRST in Texas has also played a vital role in securing the financial support needed to sustain and grow its programs. Thanks to partnerships with organizations such as the Texas Workforce Commission, Panasonic, Dell, NI/Emerson, Toyota Manufacturing, Qualcomm, Valero, CITGO, and Phillips 66, the organization has been able to pass on millions of dollars in grant funding to local school districts. Arms took a moment during the event to acknowledge the impact of these sponsors, noting that more than $7 million has been awarded over the years, with even more expected as the program continues to expand.

The McAllen kickoff was a testament to the strong sense of community that FIRST® has fostered in the region. Dr. Rene Gutierrez, Superintendent of McAllen ISD, welcomed students from across South Texas to his school district. McAllen ISD shares the prestigious recognition as one of the earliest adopters of FIRST® programs alongside Harlingen CISD and Brownsville ISD. 

Another prominent figure at the event was Julian Alvarez, former Texas Workforce Commissioner for Labor and current Board President of La Joya ISD. Alvarez, a long-time supporter of FIRST®, spoke passionately about the program’s impact on workforce development in Texas. “FIRST® robotics is not just about technical skills,” Alvarez emphasized. “It’s about teaching our students soft skills like conflict resolution, problem-solving, and teamwork—skills that set them apart as future leaders in STEM and business.” Alvarez’s remarks resonated deeply with the audience, highlighting the importance of preparing today’s students for the challenges of tomorrow.

As the countdown clock ticked towards the global reveal at 11 a.m., veteran student leaders took the stage to share what FIRST® Core Values and Gracious Professionalism® meant to them. Their stories of personal growth and success, including the achievements of Valley students who have gone on to attend prestigious universities like MIT, University of Texas, Texas A&M and others, served as an inspiration to the younger participants in the audience.

When the challenge was finally revealed, the room erupted in excitement. Teams immediately began analyzing the game elements and strategizing for the season ahead. The demonstration field, unveiled to cheers from the crowd, gave students their first opportunity to interact with the challenge materials and start planning their path to victory.

While students focused on the new challenge, their coaches, educators, and administrators reflected on their own journeys with FIRST®. David Ruiz, one of the original FIRST® coaches from McAllen ISD, recalled his first event back in 2014, when the program was still in its infancy in the Valley. Now, with over a decade of experience as both a coach and head referee, Ruiz confidently stated, “FIRST® works—it’s just that simple.” His words echoed the sentiment of many in the room who have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of the program.

Seth Lara, a FIRST® Tech Challenge alum from Sharyland ISD and now the Events & Logistics Coordinator for FIRST in Texas, also shared his story. “I graduated during the global pandemic and wasn’t sure what the future held for me,” Lara said. “Now, I’m honored to help organize events and ensure that all coordinators in Texas have the resources they need to bring this impactful program to more and more young Texans each year.”

Carlos Hernandez, a FIRST® Robotics Competition alum from Mission CISD and now a full-time software developer does part-time work for FIRST in Texas as the South Texas Mentor. A program that brings alum back in service to the mission by supporting coaches / teams, training students how to program a robot, help deliver events and be an on the ground member of the community that other programs lack. Mr. Hernandez mentioned that he joined FIRST in Texas because of his belief in the FIRST® program and the importance of its need in the Rio Grande Valley.

As FIRST in Texas celebrates a decade of service in the Rio Grande Valley and more than 14 years in Texas, the organization remains committed to serving more than 30,000 young Texans annually, thanks to the dedication key volunteers and countless volunteers. 

For those interested in getting involved—whether as participants, financial supporter, or volunteers—visit http://www.FIRSTinTexas.org to learn more.

Together, FIRST in Texas and its supporters are building a brighter future for the Rio Grande Valley and beyond, one robot at a time.

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