chris_moore

Chris Moore, CEO of the youth-focused nonprofit FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), uses his extensive executive leadership, advocacy, and field engagement experience to drive his passion for building programs that serve youth, families, and communities. He believes in young peoples’ ability to thrive when they are supported by uplifting adult role models who live the organization’s core values of discovery, innovation, impact, inclusion, teamwork, and fun.

You are the CEO of FIRST. Tell us what FIRST is and about your work there.

FIRST was founded by Dean Kamen, the renowned inventor, in 1989. Dean’s vision was to change culture by creating a world where STEM heroes were as revered as celebrities and students aspired to be the next ground-breaking innovator versus vying to become the next great sports or entertainment star. Today, more than 35 years later, FIRST is a global nonprofit robotics community empowering young people ages 4–18 to pursue dreams of becoming science and technology leaders and innovators. Our students apply what they learn through in-classroom and after-school hands-on robotics programming to find real-world solutions to global issues like water management, energy, and transportation. We are inspiring students of all backgrounds to participate in these programs and build promising futures for themselves and those around them.

You have been in youth development for your entire career. What led you in that direction? 

Youth sports were a major part of my upbringing. They helped me find my identity and gave me confidence, and I believe all young people deserve that — and many will need supportive adults to help them get there. Ironically, my pursuit of sports was in direct response to a STEM education barrier I faced as a student. While I was an above-average student, I found STEM challenging. Instead of encouraging me to keep going, a teacher told me math and science were not “my thing” and persuaded me to consider other subjects. Had I known what I know today, as a business leader and an education and youth development advocate, I would have understood not only that I was being deprived of a different future, but that when we give students access to new experiences and the support to persevere, we create unrivaled opportunity and empowerment. So many students give up on dreams and interests simply because they don’t receive the support they deserve. Now, leading FIRST, I know I’m at the forefront of the solution.

How has your experience with team sports — working with the Positive Coaching Alliance and the US Youth Soccer Association prior to being at FIRST — shaped how you influence the sense of teamwork among young people in the robotics competitions with FIRST? 

I see many teamwork parallels between sports and youth robotics, but where FIRST goes beyond is in teaching the philosophies of Coopertition® and Gracious Professionalism®. These values go beyond traditional teamwork by encouraging students to not only support and respect teammates and those around them, but also assist opponents when they’re in need. This mindset instills selfless values in future leaders, empowering them to create a brighter, more inclusive world in STEM and beyond.

What are the similarities you see between traditional sports and STEM-based competitions?

The most significant similarity I see between traditional sports and STEM-based competitions is how both teach students about teamwork, resiliency, problem-solving, and respect for their peers. Both teach us that it’s not about wins and losses. It’s about having fun, learning, and engaging with teammates, coaches, and other adult stakeholders. Much like traditional sports teams, FIRST teams are inclusive to all young people, regardless of how much prior STEM experience they have, and are supported by a network of coaches and volunteers who not only help them learn new STEM skills, but really grow as people too.

How does the work of FIRST break down barriers to encourage participation by young people who may be underrepresented in science and engineering?

FIRST serves more than 700,000 students per year, and these students come from all walks of life. We believe very firmly that robotics is for everyone. No matter who you are, you can learn STEM skills and life skills — like teamwork, resilience, and creativity — through robotics. FIRST understands the broader societal context of economic, educational, and social factors historically leading to disproportionate access and outcomes. We’re actively engaged in developing and delivering strategies that remove barriers and ensure greater access to STEM programs so that all youth can participate and pursue their passions.

The documentary More Than Robots for Disney highlights some of the benefits of the FIRST programs. What are you most proud of FIRST accomplishing?

Disney has been a longtime supporter of FIRST and frequently welcomes students from our talent pipeline to join their team. Sharing our story — and those of our teams — on such a global platform was a significant milestone. What I’m most proud of is the growth of FIRST, which has equipped millions of young people all over the world with the skills to build a brighter future. We’re excited to continue expanding the positivity and opportunities that FIRST offers. 

What’s one valuable lesson you’ve learned about taking innovative approaches to youth development for out-of-school time programs?

One valuable lesson I’ve learned about taking innovative approaches to youth development in out-of-school time programs is the importance of meeting young people where they are and integrating learning with activities that genuinely engage and inspire them. For example, hands-on, project-based learning — like FIRST offers — transforms how young people view STEM fields by making learning relatable, purposeful, and exciting. Post-pandemic, companies across diverse sectors, including manufacturing, banking, automotive, aviation, health care, IT, and beyond, face significant growth constraints due to unfilled technical positions and a shrinking talent pool. I’m encouraged that FIRST not only meets students where they are, but also equips them with essential technical skills and fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and resilience — traits that prepare them to succeed in any career path they choose. We’re not just teaching skills; we’re preparing them for sustainable careers and lifelong success.

When you hear the word “character,” what does it mean to you?

When I hear the word “character,” I think of the strength to act with integrity and empathy — qualities that define who we truly are. “Character” symbolizes the values we uphold and the commitment to stay true to those beliefs, even in the face of challenges or opposition. These principles are at the heart of FIRST: we support students in growing into well-rounded individuals with strong character, encouraging them to uplift others and pursue excellence through respect and kindness.

Your work in youth development represents a lifetime of service to character-building programs. What advice do you have for camp professionals who are eager to use the vehicle of summer camp for character development?

With several years of experience in youth development — whether through sports, coaching, or robotics — I’ve learned that character development thrives in environments where young people feel both challenged and supported. As CEO of FIRST, I lead a global robotics community that empowers young people to work together, solve real-world problems, and practice skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. In my previous roles as CEO of the Positive Coaching Alliance and United States Youth Soccer Association, I also saw firsthand how crucial it is to create spaces that foster teamwork, resilience, and respect.

For camp professionals, I’d emphasize a few key points. First, make every experience intentional: whether it’s a team-building exercise, a group discussion, or an outdoor activity, use each moment to teach qualities like perseverance, empathy, and integrity. Character isn’t built in a single moment but through many small, consistent interactions. Second, model the behaviors you want to see. Show the value of kindness, respect, and courage in your own actions; young people are incredibly observant and learn as much from what we do as from what we say. Finally, encourage growth through challenges. Camps are ideal for taking young people out of their comfort zones in a supportive way — helping them see setbacks as opportunities to build resilience and confidence.

Any other pearls of wisdom you’d like to share that you think are particularly relevant to the camp industry?

All of us who work with young people know it’s critical to foster a sense of belonging and that encouraging young people to build skills and connections can be a challenge. Many students are frightened to step out of their comfort zones and jump into new experiences. I would remind my fellow youth-serving organization leaders to remember what it was like to be the young, nervous student who was finding their footing. As long as we can offer them support systems bolstered by patience and understanding, we can help them build the skills they need to get anywhere they want to go.

Photo courtesy of The Kellogg Peak Initiative — Lake Valley Camp, Milwaukee, WI.

Interview conducted by Marcia Ellett, editor in chief of Camping Magazine.

The views and opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the American Camp Association or ACA employees.