I'm very excited to see what FiM looks like in 5-10 years.
Their high school adoption rate of FRC is incredible (I'm looking at you MN, you guys are doing great things as well!), which has created a strong identity for FRC as the "varsity STEM sport" in Michigan (MN teams have described similar sentiments surrounding their state championship, which is awesome!). This has amazing potential for widespread STEM inspiration in the state. Every high school with a sustainable FRC team, what an incredible goal!
Would FiM have gotten the $3 Million grant from the state without their innovative competition model (districts) and progression of programs approach (discussed in this thread)? Is it unfair to speculate some level of causation that resulted in receiving this large State grant? (Honest question!) Could even more funds keep rolling in as FiM proves its effectiveness at starting and sustaining FIRST Teams of all levels?
Personally, my biggest concern is FiM leaving the rest of us in their rear-view mirror as Michigan becomes the undisputed FIRST Program Powerhouse State of the country. Granted, this is a very selfish concern
Time will tell, but I'm watching FiM closely and expect to see more positive changes and innovations from this incredible organization.
-Mike