[Deetman]

Originally Posted by LeelandS

Not trying to start an argument or nitpick semantics here... But what exactly would the point of such a culture change be if not for students? The culture change is to encourage the next generation to pick up STEM. The next generation is the current students. If FIRST is about the culture change...

Originally Posted by Peter Matteson

The same reasons that the coaches don't play football or baseball or basketball against the students. The competion isn't really for us. We are already inspired and part of the STEM professional world.

This is for the students students. They are the ones who need the experience. The adult mentors are there to guide them with experience as needed to try and prevent the competition from being an exercise in frustration.

I'd contend that the culture change can, should, and does include adults as well. Sure most of the adults already have experience or are already supporters/participants in STEM fields, but I have heard and witnessed many stories of adults being inspired by FIRST as well. Sure the students are the primary goal, but if there aren't any adults being inspired (in different ways than students) where would all the mentors and volunteers come from? I know that as a mentor and volunteer I get immense inspiration and satisfaction participating in FRC from the students and those around me.