The President gets it !!!!

[JohnBoucher]

From the Tonight Show transcript 03/19/09

And what we need is steady growth; we need young people, instead of -- a smart kid coming out of school, instead of wanting to be an investment banker, we need them to decide they want to be an engineer, they want to be a scientist, they want to be a doctor or a teacher. And if we're rewarding those kinds of things that actually contribute to making things and making people's lives better, that's going to put our economy on solid footing.

[XXShadowXX]

And where is the national funding for FIRST?

[swamp_child]

Seriously I know we could use a few thousand dollars more. I wish FIRST got some of that bailout money, I know we would use it better than the AIG executives.

[Kims Robot]

Originally Posted by swamp_child

Seriously I know we could use a few thousand dollars more. I wish FIRST got some of that bailout money, I know we would use it better than the AIG executives.

Now Im not against FIRST getting governement funding, but seeing this country fall into a recession and take the whole world with it, Ive got my fingers crossed that we hit the low point already and we dont see anything worse. While I agree that the whole AIG thing was nonsense, Obama quickly put that back in its place. The intent of the bailout money is to get corporations back on their feet and stable so that companies start HIRING again. Without a stable economy all those kids that are interested in engineering and science wont have jobs. Look at the majority of the engineering companies right now. How many are doing layoffs?? I know that we all love FIRST and all believe that science, technology and engineering is the way to the future, we need to be stable before we can hire all those scientists or engineers. I know I didnt live through the great depression, or anything that was even close, but I can imagine that if we let this country get to a point where people are worried about putting food on the table, the first thing on our President's mind wont and shouldnt be funding the FIRST program.

We should be honored to hear him say such great words, and there is no reason to stop pursuing government funding, but lets all make sure we keep the big picture in mind, that if any of us want jobs when this is all over, we need to get our economy straightened out first.

[Molten]

I would gladly discuss the politics of such things as funding and government influence, however this is not a thread for that. Please, if you really want to discuss the differences in funding sports vs robotics.... or want to discuss the AIG... or want to discuss anything other then the presidents appearance on the Tonight Show Please Make a Thread for it. This thread isn't for that.

[JaneYoung]

We are living in times that are having a profound impact/influence on our lives. There are many of these influences and within the influences there are many opportunities to look at and identify need for change - cultural change. The thread has moved along well enough without flaming, attacks, or passionate outbursts. I think it is doing pretty well and have enjoyed the input, insight, and viewpoints. That's not to say that I'd like to see it take a downturn towards attacks or flaming but there seems to be care and thought given to the posts. If we choke that or narrow that opportunity, it can create loss of wisdom.

Just an .02,
Jane

[laurenlacy]

Originally Posted by Kims Robot

Now Im not against FIRST getting governement funding, but seeing this country fall into a recession and take the whole world with it, Ive got my fingers crossed that we hit the low point already and we dont see anything worse. ... the first thing on our President's mind wont and shouldnt be funding the FIRST program.

I agree with this completely... I also think that while some of you have said that FIRST deserves more government funding or all of that, yes, perhaps they do but they have also at the same time created for themselves a somewhat cost prohibitive program. I am speaking mostly on an FRC level--I do a lot with trying to raise money for teams and a regional, and at least for the regional I speak of we are spending almost 170 dollars for every student attending the regional or 75 for every single person who attends. That doesn't even get to the teams part, the cost of running and funding a team. I firmly believe that a lot of the inspiration comes from the FRC program, I am a product of that. However when people are saying that FIRST deserves this money etc etc, it has to be backed up with fact. I know I am someone who would have never considered a career in engineering without the program, but as far as those I've talked to go (and I've made many friends through FIRST), it seems that many FRC participants are students who would already be pursuing a technical career.

Then, perhaps, we need to focus on what FIRST truly stands for -- For Inspiration and Recognition of science and technology. And I think that part is definitely working. It's not all about churning out scientists and engineers, and while yes that is great I think many of us are losing sight of what FIRST really is about--changing a culture, celebrating science and technology. To that end is where I think you can really justify the costs associated with the program--because that's where I think you are seeing the change. And it can be backed up... politicians, influential media figures, former presidents are coming to our competitions. Little by little people are "getting it". And president Obama's acknowledgment of our need for more scientists and engineers is a great example of this. I would challenge FIRST to come up with ways to keep the inspiration, but maybe cut down on the cost. It's only if programs like FRC are available to everyone that we'll really see change. I'm happy we have a president who "gets it", and as a FIRST community we need to continue to show those like president Obama how awesome our program is, and what it does for our communities and our culture. It's not just about becoming a scientist or an engineer--it's about celebrating science and engineering, no matter what career you choose to pursue.

[Molten]

Jane and all: I was by no means trying to discourage such conversation. I was just suggesting that perhaps it would be better suited in a thread specifically for that situation.

Afterall, there's a thread for everything and everything in it's thread.

[cheesehead97]

Has anybody invited someone else to nationals?

[J_Greco]

This shows why Dean goes after politicians all the time. Politicians, like the President, seems to understand that scientists, engineers, docters, etc. are important and that developing these skills in high school is crucial. What they don't all understand it that FIRST is the program that does this! The President, as well as other politicians, should still be invited to FIRST events, even though it was Dean's Homework for 2007 (and there is more homework to be completed this year!), so they can see the program that really makes a difference!

[Rich Kressly]

Originally Posted by J_Greco

This shows why Dean goes after politicians all the time. Politicians, like the President, seems to understand that scientists, engineers, docters, etc. are important and that developing these skills in high school is crucial. What they don't all understand it that FIRST is the program that does this! The President, as well as other politicians, should still be invited to FIRST events, even though it was Dean's Homework for 2007 (and there is more homework to be completed this year!), so they can see the program that really makes a difference!

You have part of the picture of what it will take to get anything meaningful done on a large scale.

1. Awareness of the problem(s) and potential solution(s)
2. Awareness that FIRST and other similar programs exist and are attempting to meet the need.
3. Public commitment/pledge of support
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1 through 3 are a nice start and Dean (and others) have been able to get to this point at state and even federal levels in some cases. However, the real, lasting, meaningful culture change takes place one student, mentor, school, and community at a time. Thus, even if a Governor, Senator, President promises widespread support and even if they find a way to appropriate funds in the direction of these programs, there is still the need for:
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4. Refocusing of the educational system as a whole in order to get the "No Child Left Behind Act" working for its originally intended purposes. Using the one size fits all standardized testing model to gauge our progress may be cost-efficient, but it sure as heck flies in the face of all current and semi-current research which shows us unconditionally that there are many ways to cultivate, measure, and reward excellence. The time in schools we spend teaching "to the test" so students can jump through a hoop all in the name of convincing ourselves this is the way to a better future is, well, frustrating at best.

5. An investment in our future so businesses, school systems, and govt. agencies encourage, reward, and create incentives for employees to participate with students in these programs as part of their professional responsibilities. This happens in small pockets (thanks to Dave and others),but we need the federal support for the local folks to think differently about what our work day looks like on a grand scale. Right now too many of us lose money, time, and even put our jobs in jeopardy to a certain degree just to be able to help out and run teams and events. Appropriating funds is only worthwhile if we also empower enough of the right people to execute the mission on a daily basis. Preparing students for a 21st Century world when many of us are confined, constrained, and beaten down by a 19th Century mentality is a huge obstacle to our efficiency and productivity. Right now it takes extraordinary and creative efforts to do what we do.
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Don't get me wrong, I'm wholly encouraged by the President's comments. Publicly stating the right thing can certainly create positive rumblings in the culture, however actually affecting the decisions and helping 4 and 5 above to happen is much more difficult work - and for some public officials would be political suicide to mention that we need such overall reform.

Here's to hoping these comments are ones that will be backed by real, systemic, meaningful action.

[JaneYoung]

We encourage teams to develop short term and long term goals. To develop and maintain business plans. In other words to use a lot of common sense when helping the team to remain stable, sustainable, and prepared for achievement and success.

Businesses need to do this same thing, as well as the educational system, the health system, the political system - everyone should use some common sense and develop good business practices that will help develop the communities and the nations. We see too many times that money that is not used wisely and with careful thought and planning can be frittered away and misspent. So can time, energy, and reputation.

It's easy to say that we need engineers, teachers, scientists, and doctors. It's another thing to provide sound opportunities for these professions to develop and thrive, helping to create change. And to give them the respect that they deserve. I have never understood why teachers are so underpaid and so overworked - and continue to be.

Thank you for your insight, Rich.

Jane

[Team2339]

Exellent comments Rich.

Team 2339 is in it's second year at Antelope Valley High School. Next year the district has approved a robotics class as an A thru G elective ( UC credit)based on our performance and efforts. This is where the paradigm shift needs to occur, one school at a time, one class at a time. Ultimately the education system will evolve, sometimes kicking and screaming, but evole it shall!

One factor leading to the creation of the class was the axiom:
"Applied knowledge is this generation's version of wood and metal shop. Instead of making chairs and boxes, we are working with robots. "

[canadiankid1029]

Originally Posted by Team2339

Exellent comments Rich.

Team 2339 is in it's second year at Antelope Valley High School. Next year the district has approved a robotics class as an A thru G elective ( UC credit)based on our performance and efforts. This is where the paradigm shift needs to occur, one school at a time, one class at a time. Ultimately the education system will evolve, sometimes kicking and screaming, but evole it shall!

One factor leading to the creation of the class was the axiom:
"Applied knowledge is this generation's version of wood and metal shop. Instead of making chairs and boxes, we are working with robots. "

Its great to know that some people understand the value of robotics and engineering for our generation. Its encouraging to know that this kind of change is occurring. But in some cases, much like my school, there is a backwards shift. Due to the tough times, we are in a position to lose our metalworking major (we are a trade school). We had the whole club and lots of parents etc come to board meetings to fight for it, and we hope the message got across. All we can do now is hold on for the ride and see how things turn out...

[JesseK]

You know, I just had a conversation with someone at the Florida regional who told me that high schools in the U.S. spend $millions on their football stadiums and sport arenas. It's pretty shocking when you consider that 'non-sport activities' keep having their budgets cut, and cut, and cut. I've said it before and I'll say it again: the community that supports something will pay for something, regardless of what it takes. To realign things for academia (including Band, Arts, Music, Wood Shop, Robotics, etc), there has to be local culture shifts before we can do a nationwide culture shift.

I think the next political step isn't just to have Congress appropriate funds for FIRST; actually if you understand the way federal educational appropriations work, you would know that the funds MUST be for federal programs only. Since education is a state-level line item, it would be up to all of us in FIRST to get to our district representatives for the state we live in, and get them involved. Then the step after that is to get the school boards involved, which is, I believe, the hardest part because the communities we live in directly interact with the school board on a daily basis. Hence, if you truly influence your community, you will eventually change your school board's mind. Obama's words are a start to get a spark going nationwide, but don't think for a second that they alone change anything.