Upcoming Events

Sept 7: FTC - INTO THE DEEP Kickoff

Sept 14: FLL - SUBMERGED Lowcountry Kickoff

Sept 21: FLL - SUBMERGED Upstate Kickoff

Upcoming Events Sept 7: FTC - INTO THE DEEP Kickoff Sept 14: FLL - SUBMERGED Lowcountry Kickoff Sept 21: FLL - SUBMERGED Upstate Kickoff

We are looking to build up our program support staff and key volunteers. Shadowing of roles is available. Critical needs:

Program Delivery Partner for FIRST Tech Challenge - Apply Here
Program Delivery Partner for FIRST LEGO League - Apply Here
Executive Director Shadow
Program Delivery Partner Shadow
Volunteer Coordinator - FTC

Each of the Programs has a Regional Operating Committee (ROC) and is seeking dedicated volunteers to guide the operations of the program every season. These volunteers provide stability and consistency for the Programs — and volunteers should expect to serve several years. The position is year-round, but the time commitment is greater during the school year.

Volunteers play a critical role in FIRST, whether they help at a single day event, or work directly with a team as a coach or mentor, or support the entire program through the work of the non-profit entity.

Volunteers make all the wonderful STEM activities in this state possible. Volunteering with FIRST is an amazing opportunity for you to be energized, feel fulfilled, and have FUN. You’ll be inspired when you join our community and feel the energy and excitement that our programs bring to students and adults alike.

You can volunteer as a coach, mentor, or event volunteer

How become an event volunteer:

Register in the FIRST Volunteer Dashboard.
Complete the FIRST Youth Protection Program and screening.
View and learn about the volunteer roles that exist in each program:
Learn more about becoming an event volunteer here. If you are not sure what to do next, look at this Event Volunteer Checklist.
In your FIRST Dashboard, select the Event Volunteering tab. Filter to find a FIRST South Carolina event near you and select your role preferences.
After you've applied you can go back in to check your event volunteer role assignment status and if you have any notifications of tasks that you need to complete. You will receive an email once you have been assigned to a volunteer role by your local event coordinator.
Sign the FIRST South Carolina Consent & Release Form:
Volunteers who volunteer across multiple programs should use the General Volunteer link. Otherwise, choose the form that matches the program you plan to volunteer with.
- FIRST South Carolina Release Form
Sign the FIRST South Carolina Code of Conduct Form:
- FIRST South Carolina Code of Conduct Form

Volunteer Resources

Volunteer Trainings

Volunteering with FIRST is an introductory learning module for mentors, coaches, and event volunteers that explores what FIRST is and what it means to volunteer with FIRST.
Youth Protection Training will enable you to recognize situations that may pose a threat to team member safety and learn the steps to take the actions necessary to prevent and report injuries.
Volunteer Customer Service is a presentation that will equip you with the tools needed to provide inspiration, safety, support, and a positive experience to our customers: teams, parents, coaches/mentors, teachers, sponsors, spectators, and other volunteers.
Inspiring Success Training is for coaches, mentors, volunteers, partners, and other key stakeholders who work directly with students and are committed to creating diverse, inclusive, and equitable teams and are committed to creating a sense of belonging for students.

Learn more about volunteering with FIRST!

Volunteer Handbook

Team Volunteers, Mentors and Coaches

Team mentors and coaches work directly with FIRST teams to motivate students to pursue opportunities in science, technology and engineering. Coaches and mentors come from a variety of backgrounds but share the commitment to inspiring young people and encouraging them to compete as gracious professionals.

The time and schedule for a team mentor or coach will vary with each program and team selected. Teams generally need week-to-week guidance on technical related projects, fundraising efforts, outreach opportunities, and team management.

Team Mentors and Coaches should complete the Youth Protection Training each year.

Mentoring and Coaching with FIRST is a cross-program training module designed for new and prospective mentors and coaches that will allow you to develop a deeper understanding of the expectations of the role and where to find support.

You can choose to start a new team or join an existing team. Contact the program’s specified program delivery partner (PDP) or the FIRST Senior Mentor (FSM) on the Contact Us page for more information.

FIRST South Carolina Organizational Volunteers

FIRST South Carolina is seeking qualified persons to be on the Board of Directors of the non-profit organization. This is a minimum two-year commitment. We are also seeking persons to be on the Advisory Board (from academia, industry, and government).

Contact Dr. Trish Hallstone at Trish.Hallstone@firstsouthcarolina.org if you would like to know more or this sounds like how you would like to volunteer.

volunteer spotlight

Sue Wayman

FIRST SC Volunteer

“I started volunteering at regionals my second year with FRC 343 as it looked like fun and I needed something to do during the competitions. I started in field reset but then moved to Queueing when Julie Ziegler needed help at the Palmetto (back when it was in Columbia). I enjoy Queueing as I get to meet all of the team's. I also enjoy seeing other volunteers year after year at events.

I started volunteering at FLL events when I first joined 343. The team was very involved at the time with the start of FLL in SC and would try to send volunteers each year. I enjoy presentation judging the most as it is very interesting to see the solutions that the teams come up with each year.”