John Deere has announced a three-year partnership with FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) , building on their fifteen-year collaboration to continue expanding access to hands-on robotics programs that build the technical skills critical to careers in agriculture, manufacturing, construction, and technology.
The company has awarded FIRST a three-year grant totaling $2.7 million , expected to reach more than 9,000 youth in communities across the globe.
“You can’t build the next generation of technology in agriculture, construction, roadbuilding and forestry without the technologists and engineers who know how to work shoulder to shoulder for the common goal of creating the future,” said Jahmy Hindman , senior vice president and chief technology officer at John Deere.
What Is FIRST? Hands-On Robotics for Real-World Challenges
In FIRST programs, student teams work together to design, build, and program robots to complete specific real-world challenges – such as navigating a course autonomously or executing a precision task under time pressure.
Those experiences develop the same skills that define careers in fields from precision agriculture to advanced manufacturing:
| Skill Developed | Application |
|---|---|
| Problem-solving | Diagnosing and fixing technical issues |
| Collaboration | Working in teams under pressure |
| Technical skills | Programming, engineering, design |
| Resilience | Learning to persist through failure |
“FIRST gives students hands-on experience with the real-world challenges our teams face every day, designing systems that are built to perform outside the lab. That problem-solving mindset is what we look for when we hire, and it is what employers across agriculture, construction, and manufacturing need right now.” – Jahmy Hindman
Beyond the Grant – 500+ Employee Mentors
John Deere’s commitment extends well beyond the financial grant. More than 500 John Deere employees serve as mentors, coaches, and event volunteers in communities worldwide – working side by side with students as they design, build, and test their robots.
| Mentor Contribution | Impact |
|---|---|
| Real-world experience | From precision agriculture engineering to software development |
| Career connections | Students see what these careers actually look like |
| Hands-on guidance | Direct assistance with robot design and testing |
| Community investment | Employees giving back to local communities |
Former FIRST Participants Now at John Deere
Among those mentors are former FIRST participants who are now John Deere engineers and technicians themselves – proof that FIRST programs deliver results.
“These FIRST alumni are giving back knowing firsthand how the skills built in competition, learning to persist through failure, collaborate under pressure, and solving real-world problems, translate directly to developing the technologies that farmers, contractors, and operators depend on every day.”
The John Deere Foundation’s Perspective
Taryn Edgin , president of the John Deere Foundation, emphasized the dual commitment of financial investment and employee dedication:
“At John Deere, we believe that opportunity grows when young people are encouraged to explore, create, and see themselves as innovators. This three-year commitment reflects both the investment we’re making in education and the genuine dedication of our employees who give their time to mentor students in their own communities. Seeing a former FIRST student return years later as a John Deere employee – that’s the story we’re proud to be part of.”
| Investment Type | Detail |
|---|---|
| Financial | $2.7 million grant over three years |
| Human capital | 500+ employee mentors |
| Reach | 9,000+ youth globally |
FIRST CEO on the Partnership
Chris Moore , CEO of FIRST, expressed gratitude for John Deere’s continued support:
“For more than 15 years, John Deere has been a deeply valued partner in advancing the FIRST mission, and we are grateful for their continued investment in expanding access to hands-on, transformational learning. Together, we are equipping students with the skills, confidence, and real-world experience needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving workforce. We look forward to continuing to build meaningful impact together in the years ahead.”
Why This Matters – The Skills Gap in Agriculture and Manufacturing
The agriculture and manufacturing sectors face a growing skills gap as technology becomes more advanced and the workforce ages.
| Challenge | Impact |
|---|---|
| Aging workforce | Experienced workers retiring |
| Technological advancement | Precision ag, automation, AI require new skills |
| Perception gap | Young people unaware of modern ag/tech careers |
| STEM shortage | Not enough students pursuing engineering/technology |
Programs like FIRST help bridge this gap by:
- Exposing students to real-world technical challenges
- Building interest in STEM careers early
- Creating a pipeline from education to employment
- Providing hands-on experience that resumes can’t capture
The 15-Year History – A Proven Partnership
John Deere and FIRST have been partners for more than 15 years . This three-year, $2.7 million commitment is an extension of that long-standing relationship.
| Timeline | Milestone |
|---|---|
| ~2011 | Initial partnership begins |
| 2026 | $2.7 million, 3-year commitment announced |
| Expected | 9,000+ youth reached |
The longevity of the partnership demonstrates mutual value : FIRST gains resources and mentorship; John Deere gains access to a pipeline of future talent.
The Alumni Pipeline – From FIRST to John Deere
The most compelling proof of the program’s success is the FIRST alumni now working at John Deere. These former participants:
- Experienced FIRST as students
- Developed skills and interests that led to engineering/tech careers
- Were hired by John Deere
- Now return as mentors to the next generation
This creates a self-sustaining cycle : students become employees who become mentors who inspire more students.
How to Get Involved
Industry partners, contractors, and community organizations interested in connecting with a local FIRST team or learning how to get involved can visit www.firstinspires.org.
Opportunities include:
| Involvement | Description |
|---|---|
| Sponsorship | Financial support for local teams |
| Mentoring | Technical or professional guidance for students |
| Event hosting | Providing space for competitions |
| Hiring | Recruiting FIRST alumni |
Building the Workforce of Tomorrow
John Deere’s $2.7 million investment and 500+ employee mentors represent a significant commitment to workforce development. The partnership with FIRST is not charity – it is a strategic investment in the future talent pipeline.
As Jahmy Hindman said: “You can’t build the next generation of technology without the technologists and engineers who know how to work shoulder to shoulder for the common goal of creating the future.”
By exposing students to hands-on robotics challenges, providing mentorship from real engineers, and creating a pathway from FIRST to John Deere employment, the program addresses both the skills gap and the perception gap about careers in agriculture and manufacturing.
For the 9,000+ youth who will be reached over three years, the impact could be life-changing. For John Deere, the impact is a workforce ready for the challenges of tomorrow.
And for the FIRST alumni now mentoring the next generation as John Deere employees, it is proof that the cycle works: today’s students become tomorrow’s innovators.
