i.am FIRST is our global initiative to ensure all youth have equal access to the transformative power of FIRST Robotics regardless of economic or social circumstances. FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a world-class robotics competition combining the excitement of sports with the rigors of engineering.
In 2021, we launched a groundbreaking partnership with the L.A. Unified School District (LAUSD) to bring FIRST robotics programs to 260 Los Angeles public schools, reaching over 12,000 students.
We are proud to partner with inventor and FIRST Robotics founder Dean Kamen to encourage and celebrate the engineering prowess of kids everywhere. “I’m proud to help FIRST inspire young people to pursue science and technology careers… The experience that students gain and the values they learn in FIRST programs are crucial to creating the innovative problem solvers of tomorrow.” — will.i.am
Learn more about volunteer opportunities and sign up to become a mentor here. LAUSD Robotics teams need mentors, and your expertise can make a difference. As robotics programs continue to grow across LAUSD, students need adults who can provide technical…
Read MoreOn September 12, we kicked off a new season of FIRST Tech Challenge with the i.am Angel x LAUSD Robotics League. More than 200 students and coaches gathered at Foshay Learning Center in South Los Angeles for the launch of…
Read MoreSince 2021, i.am Angel Foundation has been a proud partner of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) making FIRST Robotics teams accessible to thousands of public school students. This school year (2025-2026), 63 teams competed in tournaments across the…
Read Morewill.i.am joined FIRST Robotics youth from all 50 states in Washington, D.C. for the U.S. Governors Cup, a national competition to showcase student ingenuity and readiness for the future. This inaugural event took place on February 20-21, 2026 at Constitution…
Read MoreIn November, will.i.am joined students from 191 countries for the 2025 FIRST Global Challenge, an international robotics competition celebrating engineering talent, innovation, and global unity. Taking place in Panama, this year’s challenge centered on the theme Eco Equilibrium, highlighting biodiversity in…
Read MoreThat’s a wrap on another successful FIRST Robotics season with FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) and the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD)! Since 2021, the i.am Angel Foundation has been instrumental in bringing STEM programs to over 400 LAUSD schools,…
Read More2024 FIRST Global Challenge in Athens, Greece: an unforgettable celebration of innovation, teamwork, and global collaboration! i.am Angel Foundation, will.i.am and Black Eyed Peas Celebrate 2024 FIRST Global Challenge Award Winners, Highlighting Global Unity and STEM Innovation for Food Sustainability…
Read MoreOn September 7th, over 100 students and coaches gathered at Benjamin Franklin High School in Los Angeles for the i.am Angel Foundation and LAUSD’s first-ever FIRST Tech Challenge Kickoff. The event aimed to energize and prepare students for the upcoming…
Read MoreWe are excited to share that two teams from the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and i.am Angel Foundation FIRST Tech Challenge Program advanced from the District Championship to the 2024 FIRST Championship in Houston. This prestigious competition…
Read MoreWe are thrilled to share the remarkable achievements of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) during the 2023-2024 FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics Season! This season featured the “FIRST IN SHOW” game, presented by Qualcomm, which emphasized the integration of…
Read More[embed]https://youtu.be/-3TZSrd5qBQ?si=BGfu6jeyDOGz9yeI[/embed] Clinton Global Initiative 2023's Spotlight Session on September 19th, featuring will.i.am and Secretary Miguel Cardona as they delve into the challenges faced by the current generation of students. These students are challenged daily, navigating global conflicts, pandemics, and the…
Read MoreIn June of 2021, the i.am/Angel Foundation and the Los Angeles Unified School District partnered together to announce an initiative to create robotics teams for over 400 LAUSD middle and high schools. This initiative was a first of its kind…
Read MoreLOS ANGELES (June 23, 2021) – Los Angeles Unified Superintendent Austin Beutner and musician, tech entrepreneur and philanthropist will.i.am today announced a new effort to expand STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) education for students in underserved communities.…
Read MoreWith the steady pace of vaccinations and California transitioning into less restrictive tiers, we’re happy to report that some of our students are returning to learning on campus. Last week we helped to welcome students back at the Boyle Heights…
Read MoreAlthough the COVID-19 virus forced a Stay at Home order in Los Angeles, our three LA-based FIRST Robotics Competition teams were fortunate enough to compete at the LA Regional before the order was issued. On the weekend of March 8th,…
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