Impact of FIRST Robotics
Statistics
Recently, Brandeis University's Center for Youth and Communities conducted a survey of FIRST students versus
non-FIRST students. The results are:
"When compared with the comparison group, FIRST students are:
More than 3 times as likely to major specifically in engineering.
Roughly 10 times as likely to have had an apprenticeship, internship, or co-op job..freshman year.
Significantly more likely to expect to achieve a post graduate degree.
More than twice as likely to expect to pursue a career in science and technology.
Nearly 4 times as likely to expect to pursue a career specifically in engineering.
More than twice as likely to volunteer in their communities."
See http://www.usfirst.org/aboutus/impact for more information and a copy of the report.
FIRST's Strategic Plan - Read FIRST's goals for the next five years (2013 - 2017)
Testimonials from students:
Ben H: "Robotics is one of the few things that relieves my guilt after pulling an all-nighter" -Ben H
Michael P: "After participating in FIRST, I have changed my career pursuit from a health field to an engineering field."
Kyle M: "FIRST robotics has shown me a whole world of engineering that I would never have otherwise considered.
I have gained a deep respect and appreciation for the field."
Jaime W: "I've learned new skills and computer programs useful in life outside robotics."
Hannah S:"There's always something for everyone to do, so you're never bored."
Alyssa L: "Robotics is my happy place"
Annie H:
if (time==build season) { annies_life=robotics; } else { annie=very sad; }
Testimonials from mentors:
Ms. Zhou: "I've learned a variety of valuable skills, feeling how the team has become more mature by working together."
Ms. Holladay: "My employers [NASA] send me out to inspire young people about engineering. This is the only program that works."
Ms. Schrock:"We have had a great year! The kids have worked hard and they have done a fantastic job on the robot.
We have some terrific mentors and I have enjoyed watching the kids learn from them and have fun too!"
Mr. Sorrell: "I found working with the robotics team to be very entertaining."
Mr. Eisman: "This is as close to managing a real-world project as I've ever been associated with."
Mr. Collins: "It's rewarding to see 20+ students grow through a project that emulates a real-world workplace environment
such as as the FIRST robotics structure."