[Rich Kressly]

Indeed, FiM is not FIRST, FRC isn't all of FIRST either...

For the life of me, in all of this discussion in multiple threads, one thing on both sides of the coin bothers me a little ... ok it bothers me a lot. Why do so many people here equate FIRST with the FRC program only and use these two terms like they are interchangeable?

Yes, FRC is the flagship program, yes the big robot challenge not only excites the students, but gets the adults to notice more too. Yes, there are elements of it that will most likely always captivate me. However, FRC (even in the MI district model), is still by far the most expensive robotics competition any high school can ever get involved in. Why, oh why, is so much energy being put toward something that will be so hard to sustain over time and is most likely not feasible in 49 other states any time soon?

I will remain skeptical about the REAL goal here. Creating as many FRC teams as possible is NOT exactly the same thing as growing FIRST and seeing FIRST in as many schools as possible, thereby addressing critical needs in STEM in our great nation and others.

Once upon a time, when Dean Kamen founded FIRST, there was only FRC to promote and grow. I suppose there are those folks, who have been on board that long, that still think the same way - but why?

If you REALLY want to affect lasting culture change, you need to start with FIRST's youngest program - Jr. FLL and grow these kids up in the notion. A senior on my team organized and executed an entire Jr. FLL Expo, complete with 15 brand new teams. I ran another one using all of her information, etc for another twelve teams. Do any of you have any idea how comparatively EASY and INEXPENSIVE this is to do? It's easier than developing even one FRC team and involves many, many more students. Some of our new recruits are already on board for ramping up to FLL.

If you REALLY want an affordable, accessible entry point for high schools then you need to utilize intermediate programs like FTC and VEX - where you can not only grow teams more efficiently, but you can integrate meaningful STEM curricula in schools that will reach many more students than just the few on a competition team. And please, spare me the thought that FRC is the ONLY way to "inspire" students. Remember that senior that created 15 Jr. FLL teams and an event out of nowhere? She's never been on our FRC roster nor has she ever touched or operated an FRC robot. She's spent three years on our FTC/VEX team and has participated in our TSA chapter. There are MANY ways to inspire and reach a student and every student is different. Every time I've asked for input from MI folks on these boards how the FTC/intermediate program fits into their FIRST growth plan the conversation goes dead silent - why?

If you REALLY are concerned about our future and our culture and positively affecting as many students as possible, it's time for many of us to take off the blinders and stop worrying about any single logo or program - only.

Paul, I'm very happy for your team and many like yours in MI who are saving money this year, I really am. And I honestly applaud the Jim Zondag's of the world who have poured their heart and soul into an effort that makes sense for them. However, in the grand scheme of things, I'm concerned about the aggregate "drain" on some of our best volunteers and teams and I'm concerned that when the FiM venture is a success (because on some levels I'm entirely sure it will be) what becomes of the rest of our teams, states, and regions.

As always, I could be dead wrong, but I feel strongly enough that I would urge all of us to think about this globally; especially those who read here and have a chance to affect policy.

namaste,
Rich