GM and its impact on FIRST

[Jon236]

Originally Posted by Akash Rastogi

I actually think it would be a good idea for GM to cut back on FRC teams. Yeah it will suck for GM teams, but I'd rather see that money go to keeping some jobs around. JMHO

The difference between speculation and investment in the stock market is that you invest for the long term. That is what GM has done with FRC. FIRST provides the feedstock for GM's next generation of engineers.

GM may certainly cut back the total dollars allocated to teams; our sponsor has done the same. This forces us to alter our strategy and work on alternative funding; not a bad thing. Nothing is static; our students need to learn this lesson and see how we regroup.

But the primary commitment of providing mentors to inspire students to enter STEM careers is so central to GM's future success that I cannot see them backing away from that aspect of the program.