FIRST Five-Year Strategic Plan (2013-2017)

[hiyou102]

Originally Posted by richardyun

@hiyou102
I guess the question is: “If we raise the level and interest in STEM significantly in all those 60 plus countries, but the USA is still in the middle of the pack, is this success?” To what extent is it okay to help other countries build their technical capability?

That's what I was thinking. Coming from a non-middle of the pack country I really wonder if it's within FIRST's plan to really help us. Since we are a competing nation that ranks higher in education wouldn't it make things harder for America if we became even more educated?

I also thought it was odd at Champs when they kept on talking about America's success even though there were plenty of non-Americans there. It seems strange that we come to a competition in which the host country keeps on talking about beating us.

[Libby K]

To the international sentiments here:

I agree with you. FIRST isn't USFIRST anymore (except in URL). But just like some people still call it 'nationals', some little bits of the statements about FIRST's vision are very US-centric, and that takes some time for adjustment.

Keep in mind that FIRST the non-profit is based in America and therefore, documents its service to US schools and students. However, FIRST the competition has clearly expanded out into the world and encourages that expansion. Don't worry, non-USA teams - FIRST knows you're there, and they couldn't be happier about it.

Changing messaging just takes time.

[Ian Curtis]

Originally Posted by hiyou102

That's what I was thinking. Coming from a non-middle of the pack country I really wonder if it's within FIRST's plan to really help us. Since we are a competing nation that ranks higher in education wouldn't it make things harder for America if we became even more educated?

I also thought it was odd at Champs when they kept on talking about Americas success even though there plenty of non-Americans there. It seems strange that we come to a competition in which the host country keeps on talking about beating us.

Please excuse our politicians. Even we really don't like them.

Do foreign political figures not talk about wanting to win all the time?

I guess the question is: “If we raise the level and interest in STEM significantly in all those 60 plus countries, but the USA is still in the middle of the pack, is this success?” To what extent is it okay to help other countries build their technical capability?

That's an interesting question, and the answer really depends on who you ask. If you ask the Dow 30 I would think the answer would be, "No time to talk, have to go hire new workers!" If you ask an American politician, I've got imagine the answer is no.

Winning is awesome, but I think most of us would rather win in a situation where the bar has been raised to new heights than one where its sitting in the mud.

I think it is absolutely FIRST's plan to elevate everyone, but I think they'd rather it slip under the radar at events since they seem to be heavily courting Uncle Sam.

[richardyun]

Good points Ian. thanks