[JaneYoung]

Originally Posted by JamesCH95

I have to agree with Andrew on this one. While teaching and learning frequently occurs on FRC teams, FIRST's goal isn't to teach science and technology. The goal is to increase awareness of STEM fields and make them appealing to students as a career choice. Learning and teaching are no doubt a very frequent and beneficial side effects, but students who participate in FIRST still have (need) four years of college in which to learn about STEM topics and prepare for a career in a STEM field.

I.E. if a hypothetical high school senior spent one afternoon watching the elimination matches at a regional, and that inspired them to go to college and be an engineer without actually gaining a shred of knowledge from the event, I think FIRST would mark that in the "win" column.

Your post, and the way you posted, provides insight and a broader scope with regard to STEM and future career choices. It would make a great elevator speech.

There is a lot of opportunity for learning to take place on an FRC team. There is a lot of opportunity for inspiration to take place on an FRC team. There is a lot of opportunity for growth to take place on an FRC team. That's what makes the partnership of the mentors and the students so powerful. It's also why the value of 'team' is so important. Especially at the FRC competitions.

Right now, in this thread, there is an opportunity to learn from each other. That is more than just a beneficial side effect. For many, it is a hope. Otherwise, it is a waste of time.

Edit: I see little red flags pop up when I start reading statements about what FRC is and what it isn't. If I want to help someone understand what FRC - is or isn't - I often use the FIRST website as a reference and cite it. Kind of like the game manual.

Jane