[JaneYoung]

Originally Posted by Andrew Schreiber

As for what can be done to correct a disconnect, should it be discovered in college age students? The simple approach would be to remind engineers that it isn't always just the high schoolers who occasionally need inspiration, college students and fellow mentors often need just as much inspiration from time to time.

Thanks for the insight, Andrew. I, personally, have felt that one of the groups that is overlooked but that continues to need support and mentoring, is the college age group. The idea that high school students are to be inspired and encouraged to move into careers in science and technology is a great idea but what happens after they graduate? Are they totally on their own now? What is the plan? Is there one? Do they just strike out on their own, loaded up with information, know-how, experience/experiences that many high school graduates lack, but still need guidance and training in how to apply all of that? Not everyone does need support or encouragement but it would seem to me that there is a gap of some kind: well, we got you through elementary school, middle school, and high school - and hey, guess what - the real world is out there - go forth. When in actuality - college age students need the support and encouragement and even perhaps some how-to's in how to apply what they've gained and learned while participating in FIRST as they transition to adulthood and real world demands.