[David Brinza]

Originally Posted by EricH

This is the first year since 1999 that I haven't been to at least one competition, either as a spectator, a team member, or a volunteer.

[sarcasm]Eric! What's wrong with you? Are you letting school get in the way of your education?[/sarcasm]

You, my friend, are a good example of why FIRST at the collegiate level might not be such a wonderful idea. There's no need to change your perceptions about seeking a career in science, technology, engineering or math. Just completing the course of study and projects to obtain a degree are more than enough challenge. Finding time and money to participate in a program outside the mainstream for graduation is probably not going to happen.

Maybe FIRST Collegiate program targets individuals who are "undecided" as freshmen or sophomores. If decide to pursue a technical degree, they probably won't be looking to do FIRST anymore (or at least until they graduate). Will professional engineering mentors jump into an environment with college students hell-bent on making their own ideas work? Doesn't seem like a good "risk-reward" trade to me. Maybe this is an orthogonal FIRST where mentors aren't needed or even wanted?

I don't even know how to think about the financial aspects of this program. Most college students are broke and their parents usually struggle with the costs as well. I don't think college students are going to do fund-raising or beat down doors of corporate leaders for support. Universities themselves are under tremendous financial pressures as well. Where is the market??

Ugh...