Request for data on impact of FIRST for Women in Technology

[Joshua Lynn]

I have been asked to participate in a Women In Technology panel discussion on "Energizing the Next Generation" as a result of my participation as a mentor in FIRST FRC over the last 14 years. It would be nice to show up prepared with real data on the impact of programs such as the ones from FIRST.

Does anyone have or know of any data collected on the FIRST programs showing participation rates, college attendance, or other metrics over the last few years to show the impact of these programs? If the data had a break out by gender that would be good but not required.

Perhaps someone can point me to the right person at FIRST who might have such information already assembled.

As a mentor my focus has been on inspiring the next generation independent of gender. Although, over the yeas there has been some focus on encouraging different communication styles as impacted by gender. For instance, teaching the students how to seek deeper understanding of other's points of view before making their own points and suggestions. Additionally, the use of the Socratic method to help others understand your points and concerns instead of using words that would put others on the defensive instead of collaborative approaches. And how to be aware when you may be trying to make your point through assertiveness and dominance instead of clear concise and factual communication.

So I will put this out to this group:

What has your team done to inspire women in technology?
What are the benefits and drawbacks to female only teams?
What actions have you taken to increases communication based on gender differences and what was the impact?
What challenges have come arisen on your teams do to gender, how did you deal with them and what were the results?

In short what experiences have you and your team had that the attendees to a panel discussion on Women in Technology - Energizing The Next Generation be interested in?

Thanks in advance,
Joshua Lynn
Engineering Mentor
Team 423 - Simple Machines
Wyncote, PA