From FIRST to Future: Exploring Houston’s STEAM Education and Career Pathways

FIRST^® prepares students for their future by nurturing STEAM skills, allowing them real opportunities to problem-solve, and encouraging communication with peers who may be different from them, allowing them to learn how to collaborate effectively with others. The skills learned at FIRST are transferable to incredible and world-changing career pathways – just take a look at the journeys of our #PeopleofSTEAM who are often FIRST alumni (like me!).  

As Assistant Director of Admission at Rice University in Houston, Texas, I find it inspiring to read through admission letters and see how students want to change the world. That is why it has become my passion to share educational opportunities with everyone! Coopertition^® was something I did not realize I was looking for in my life until I joined FIRST^® Robotics Competition. Once the switch flipped, I restarted my college search to find a place where helping others is the norm, rather than the exception. Enter Rice University. 

The city of Houston has amazing opportunities for learning, some exclusive to 2025 FIRST^® Championship presented by BAE Systems attendees, including: university visits and tours, career pathways, museums, and hands-on, enriching experiences that you can enjoy in Houston this April. Keep reading to learn more. 

Exploring Houston’s Educational Pathways 

The education path for many FIRST alum lies at the University of Houston and Rice University. These prestigious schools are well known across the country for their leading programs in STEM, focus on energy and health research, as well as a crowd of students from all backgrounds. Coming from California, attending school in Houston has changed my life. 

Exclusive to a limited number of FIRST Championship attendees, Rice University will be offering tours around their campus. Space is limited, so act fast, and if you have already visited Rice or will have the opportunity later, we ask that you reserve space for those who may not. 

Rice is not only a top-ranked academic university, but it also boasts one of the happiest student bodies in the country. This is largely in part due to Rice’s Culture of Care, which means leveraging one’s own strengths to support others, to lend a hand before we are even asked, and to lean into the power of togetherness (sound familiar?). While we have plenty of FIRST alumni at Rice who know about Coopertition by name, the spirit behind it is practiced by every single Rice Owl, every single day. Rice, Houston, and FIRST represent not only the best and brightest, but also the kindest, and that is ultimately why I and other FIRST alumni choose to visit, apply to, and attend Rice year after year.  

Sarah with the Rice University Mascot

Beyond Universities: Alternative Educational Pathways  

Different pathways of education are also available in Houston, providing ample opportunities for all students to follow their dreams. Our local Houston Community College has a plethora of two-year degrees in a variety of STEM fields. They also provide two-year degrees in different art programs, an essential part of STEAM. Our San Jacinto College also offers STEAM programs and is in the top ten community colleges in the country. And, for even more hands-on learning, TXRX Labs is a local nonprofit geared towards providing workshops, community, building space, tools, and support for creators, inventors, and startups. 

Creativity is at the core of innovation, and inspiration is everywhere. FIRST is passionate about highlighting STEAM, with an essential part being the arts. Participating in FIRST lends you the skills to problem solve, think beyond your current capabilities, and see the world in a different way. Highlighted in Houston’s Museum District, culture, science, and art are all essential to the other’s existence. Just as vibrant as its roots in science, technology, engineering, and math, Houston’s art scene shines. 

Houston’s Museum District – Culture, Science, & Art 

For a trip to Houston’s past, visit the Houston Museum of Natural Science to see exhibits on matter and motion, watch a movie on a giant screen, or see one of the rotating science and history exhibits. For the artsy, check out The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston to view nearly 80,000 works of art, from ancient to modern. This is also a great place for film buffs – check out their rotating list of classics to current hits. 

If interactive museums are more your speed, visit The Color Factory where you can become part of the art in 14 different exhibits. It also features a moon shaped ball pit, created in partnership with NASA in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Lunar Landing. For younger crowds, the Children’s Museum Houston has world-class exhibits and even a Kidtropolis where children can become adults for the day and explore different career pathways.  

Photo Credit: Houston First Corporation

As a FIRST and Rice alum, I am ecstatic that the 2025 FIRST Championship will be held in Houston. FIRST is dedicated to shaping the next generation of innovators. Houston is a city that is abundant with opportunities for education and inspiration. I encourage everyone to explore these opportunities and take a chance to learn more from Houston outside of FIRST Championship. 

Sarah Jin 

Assistant Director of Admission at Rice University