#PeopleofSTEAM: Meet Algirdas

Algirdas is a FIRST^®  Tech Challenge and FIRST^® LEGO^® League mentor dedicated to furthering the mission of FIRST^® in his country. Coordinator of the Lituanica X movement, a group dedicated to bringing FIRST to Lithuania, Algirdas is passionate about hands-on STEM learning and the positive impacts it makes on students. For him as an Inspire the Future cohort, learning is not just passing along information. Learning is a lifelong journey of discovery. 

Hoping to assist in the creation of 1,000 robotics teams in Lithuania, Algirdas recognizes that some have a greater opportunity for STEM learning than others. He has created girls teams, helped shy students find their voice, and worked to uplift all students who come through his doors through the use of applicable STEM learning. 

Keep reading to learn more about Algirdas and the incredible work he is doing in Lithuania. 

FIRST Staff: Can you share some information about your current role at Lituanica X?  

Algirdas: I coordinate the Lituanica X movement, which brings FIRST Tech Challenge to Lithuania. I also mentor FIRST LEGO League and FIRST Tech Challenge teams at Vilnius Jesuit High School. My goal is to help create 1,000 robotics teams and make hands-on STEM learning accessible nationwide.  

In a country where education remains heavily theoretical, I work to offer schools project-based experiences that foster problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork. At Vilnius Jesuit High School, I support students as they explore the fascinating world of FIRST. 

FIRST Staff: What is your favorite part of your current role?  

Algirdas: Empowering students to realize their potential through robotics. I have launched girls teams, seen shy students become confident leaders, and helped teachers rethink education as a long-term growth journey. Watching students light up when their ideas work and knowing that they are gaining future-ready skills, is incredibly rewarding. 

FIRST Staff: What is the hardest part of your job?  

Algirdas: Changing mindsets. Many still see robotics as an “extra,” not as an “essential.” Convincing decision-makers to invest in practical STEM education — and ensuring access for all groups — is a constant challenge. But seeing the results keeps me going. 

FIRST Staff: How do you use STEAM skills in your everyday work/life?  

Algirdas: STEAM is in everything I do; engineering projects, designing outreach strategies, mentoring teams. I constantly use systems of thinking, creativity, and iteration. FIRST taught me that education is not about transferring knowledge, but about long-term growth, experimentation, and fostering resilience through complex challenges. 

FIRST Staff: Can you share your thoughts on the impact of your personal/professional work in STEAM? 

Algirdas: In Lithuania, STEM fields remain predominantly male, and as a result girls may struggle to find the confidence or encouragement to pursue them. To change that, I have launched girls robotics teams that create safe, empowering spaces for them to lead, experiment, and succeed. When given the right environment, these students thrive and develop both technical and leadership skills. By actively including everyone, we are not just teaching robotics... we are shaping a future where innovation reflects the full variety of society and where all voices are part of solving tomorrow’s challenges. 

FIRST Staff: Who is a “Person of STEAM” who inspires you?  

Algirdas: Seymour Papert. Mathematician, computer scientist, and collaborator on LEGO® MINDSTORMS® robotics kits. His vision of children learning through making, testing, and playing laid the foundation for educational robotics. He believed that learning should be active, hands-on, and joyful. That philosophy drives everything we do at Lituanica X. 

FIRST Staff: If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?  

Algirdas: Seek out as much hands-on engineering experience as possible. Building things yourself teaches you more than any textbook ever could. It helps you understand how systems really work, strengthens problem-solving skills, and builds confidence. Most importantly, it turns theory into something real — and that is when true learning begins. 

FIRST Staff: Do you have a message you want to share for students who are participating in FIRST today? 

Algirdas: Enjoy the tough problems, the teamwork, the outside-the-box ideas that work (or do not work). FIRST teaches you to think, lead, and bounce back. Those are the superpowers that will stay with you long after the season ends. 

Are you a person of STEAM? Share your story with #PeopleofSTEAM on social media or send us your story at marketing@firstinspires.org.