[Ianworld]

FIRST's stated goal is to inspire new engineers and scientists. However while this is for the most part the result, I'd say its most consistent and greatest benefit is that it inspires passion. Passion in whatever somebody wants to do. FIRST teams are like a business so for somebody to be inspired and become passionate about business is not surprising. Many kids love the marketing aspects and want to become everything from PR reps to graphic designers, right on up to musicians. By experience FIRST they were able to use their talents and in doing so ignited their passions in a way that will give them goals, drive and purpose for the rest of their lives.

This is very important. One of the things Woody and Dean have stressed at the last couple kickoffs is that Americans(and many Western nations too) need to get up and do things. Its not our right to the wonderful quality of life we lead. We need to embrace the desire to create and act. FIRST instills the passions in people that will help them in this respect because if you don't step up and do something, somebody else in another country who is clamoring and starving for your job will.

Back on track to the exact question on hand:

I'm an example of a success story. I'm now an engineering student at a prestigious university, just like the team president before me. As for the rest of my team I would say only about half go on to pursue engineering. Many of those wouldn't have considered it if they hadn't joined. But as I said above most leave knowing that they have something that they want to do and that is just as important. So in conclusion FIRST changes lives!