[Chris Fultz]

Try to show your schools the benefits of the program fom an education standpoint - and also find one person who really believes and understands what you are doing - one voice can go a long way - that might be a teacher, a principal, a school board member, a respected business leader, who knows.

And, for your next education steps - there are many, many colleges who know and value the FIRST program. Just look at the scholarships list - those are reserved for FIRST students - encourange your teammates to apply and take advantage of the great opportunities at those schools. Many other schools do not have unique FIRST scholarships but the FIRST experience can give you an edge on their general scholarships.

And lastly, I am part of the Engineering Education Committee at Rolls-Royce, and part of the College Recruiting Team. Rolls-Royce supports FIRST teams form the Engineering Education budget because we believe it is truly education and a great value to us as a company. FIRST participation can be a big "plus" for a job applicant, and FIRST veterans are eligible to start our college Co-Op program a year ahead of other students.

The companies that sponsor FIRST and FIRST teams know the value of the program and that is why they invest. They are investing in YOU because someday you will be in the job market and thru FIRST you will be a better person and a better engineer or scientist or whatever else you choose to be.


Keep a big picture view, and know that even if your school doesn't get it, there are many, many, many colleges and employers that do.