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
65+ Countries
267 Robotics Teams | 17.6K+ 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 267 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 65 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...
SBC Play & Connect is a monthly meetup for Grade 2–4 (Advanced Grade 1) neurodiverse students and their families. It provides a welcoming, low-pressure space where students connect through guided LEGO® building and collaborative play. Led by adult volunteers and student mentors, sessions promote communication, teamwork, and positive peer interaction. While not a formal LEGO-based therapy program, facilitation is informed by collaborative play principles.
Play & Connect also serves as a bridge to structured LEGO learning groups, including FLL preparation, and occasionally features professionals to support families and strengthen community connection. Learn More...
Barrier-Free STEM expands access to competitive robotics and STEM learning for underrepresented and under-resourced students. Through mentorship, info sessions, live demos, Jump Start workshops, and robotics bootcamps, the program lowers barriers and guides students and families into programs like FLL and FTC. Participants gain hands-on experience, foundational technical skills, confidence in STEM, and connections to mentors and community networks. Barrier-Free STEM ensures that opportunity in STEM is not limited by background, resources, or prior exposure. 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...