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.

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."