Our Mission
To catalyze STEM innovation by building a supportive infrastructure that reduces barriers to learning, resources and mentorship, providing a sustainable platform for students to create real-world impact.
OUR IMPACT
77 Countries
267 Robotics Teams | 17.7K+ People
Our Global Impact – Last Updated: Oct 2025
Our Vision
A STEM ecosystem where access and opportunity are widely available, and young people are equipped to solve real challenges locally and globally.
ABOUT US
STEM Bridge Foundation, doing business as STEM Bridge Center, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to empowering students to lead STEM innovation. We work to reduce barriers across the STEM community while ensuring underrepresented and underserved students receive dedicated support, mentorship, and access to resources, building sustainable pathways for applying STEM learning to real-world challenges.
The Foundation operates multiple programs, including student-driven initiatives, that expand access and opportunity in STEM. Together, these efforts cultivate a strong STEM ecosystem where young people are prepared to make meaningful local and global impact.
The STEM Bridge Center (SBC) is the community’s answer to the critical challenges of resources, guidance, and sustainability faced by local robotics teams. We serve as the central hub for the FIRST® and STEM ecosystem in Bellevue and beyond - a dedicated home where students, mentors, and the community come together to collaborate, innovate, and grow.
At the same time, SBC also places a strong emphasis on supporting underserved and under-represented students, working intentionally to remove barriers and ensure that STEM education is accessible to everyone, regardless of background or circumstance. Learn more...
FTCVideos.org is an innovative online resource supporting the FIRST Tech Challenge community by centralizing game videos, tutorials, and strategy analysis into a searchable, user-friendly platform. Using AI-powered indexing, it streamlines access to relevant content across multiple channels, helping students, mentors, and teams learn, improve, and share knowledge.
Since launch, the platform has reached users in 77 countries, demonstrating its global impact. FTCVideos.org exemplifies our mission to leverage technology to remove barriers to STEM education and provide equitable access to critical learning resources. Learn More...
The PySTEM MiniBot is a compact, low-cost educational robotics platform featuring a robust 3D-printed chassis powered by a 6V battery. Designed as an open-source learning tool, it includes a simple browser-based IDE with Python programming support, making it ideal for beginners to explore coding through interactive robotics.
With servo-powered wheels equipped with encoders for precise movement and an infrared color sensor, the MiniBot can perform a variety of tasks, including line following and obstacle navigation, while helping students build foundational skills in engineering, programming, and problem-solving. Learn More...
The American Rocketry Challenge gives 8th–12th graders the opportunity to learn and showcase model rocketry skills while collaborating on a national competition. Students work in teams to design, build, and fly rockets, gaining hands-on STEM experience, teamwork, and mentorship from experienced peers. Success in the challenge can bring recognition, awards, and opportunities from leading aerospace companies, while building skills valuable for future education and careers. Learn More...
Connected Minds (Formerly SBC Bridge2Build) is a supportive LEGO robotics program for elementary school children who enjoy building, hands-on activities, and learning through play. The program is designed to bring together neurodiverse students who may benefit from community support, a smaller group setting, and a structured, low-pressure environment.
Through FIRST LEGO League Explore, students will build a motorized LEGO model, learn basic programming and engineering concepts, design a themed LEGO exhibit, create a team poster, and practice presenting their work. Along the way, they will develop teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and social interaction skills.
Connecting Minds offers an inclusive early STEM opportunity for children who may need extra support. Rather than emphasizing competition pressure, the program helps children build confidence, curiosity, and meaningful peer connections through LEGO robotics. Learn More...
STEM Bridge Pathways (Formerly Barrier-free STEM) expands access to robotics and STEM education through hands-on learning, mentorship, workshops, camps, and community collaboration. The program helps students and families explore pathways into programs such as FIRST LEGO League (FLL) and FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC).
Participants develop foundational skills in engineering, programming, and robotics while gaining confidence, mentorship, and connections within the STEM community.
Built as a community-powered initiative, STEM Bridge Pathways brings together volunteers, mentors, shared resources, and robotics teams to support accessible, collaborative STEM learning opportunities. Learn More...
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The FIRST Mentor Network brings together students, educators, and professionals to build a supportive community for the next generation of innovators. Our mission is to bridge the gap between experienced mentors and aspiring problem-solvers through collaboration and hands-on learning.
What We Do:
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Technical Guidance: Mentors share expertise in robotics, coding, and engineering.
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Skill Building: Beyond technical skills, we foster teamwork, leadership, and resilience.
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Global Connection: Mentors join a professional network dedicated to advancing STEM opportunities.
Who Can Join: Whether you are an industry professional, a university student, or a FIRST alumnus, this platform allows you to connect with teams and share your knowledge. While robotics is our starting point, we are expanding to support all STEM-related fields and organizations. Learn More...
The SUAS team designs, builds, and programs autonomous drones for search-and-rescue and delivery missions. This year’s challenge is a fully autonomous “Storm Response” mission. The drone must fly through GPS waypoints, detect and avoid obstacles in real time, identify ground targets using onboard imaging, and accurately deliver a payload to a designated location — all while staying under the 35 lb weight limit. Learn More...