Here is another piece of data that has come out recently
http://www.atomicrobotics.com/2011/1...reer-interest/
Combine this with things like the Brandeis University Study and you have a good amount of data to show why robotics is a better investment than other projects.
http://www.usfirst.org/aboutus/impact
How ever when i talk to other FTC or VEX teams i believe that is where the school can get the biggest bang for their buck, the teams are a 10th of the price and teach many of the same skills.