KC STEM Alliance supports FIRST Kansas City in three important ways:
KC STEM Alliance manages, executes, staffs and covers all costs associated with Kansas City Regional FIRST tournaments, events and competitions, including:
FIRST LEGO League Explore: A stand-alone Expo, numerous Expos and Showcases at FIRST or STEM outreach events and How to Start a Team workshops.
FIRST LEGO League Challenge: Regional qualifying tournaments, a regional championship, How to Start a Team workshops and a Coaches Workshop.
FIRST Tech Challenge: FIRST Tech Challenge Kickoff, Quick Build and team workshops; meets and qualifiers.
FIRST Robotics Competition: FIRST Robotics kickoff and quick build, regional FIRST Robotics Competition tournaments and events, and support for team-hosted trainings.
KC STEM Alliance raises funds to cover KC FIRST staff including the FIRST Robotics Competition Program Delivery Partner, FIRST LEGO League Explore and FIRST LEGO League Challenge Program Delivery Partner, FIRST Tech Challenge Local Director and FIRST Volunteer Coordinators.
KC STEM Alliance awards grants directly to teams to assist with operating budgets, travel and expenses.