Hello everyone,
My name is Sujjay, and I am currently doing research on Title I Schools. This is my second year in FIRST as part of FRC 6908.
Title I Schools are specifically those in which over 50% of attending students are classified as having low income through the reduced lunch program. These schools are supposed to provide equal education to these under-served kids, often minorities, in STEM.
Given that the United States is the world’s biggest spender in STEM education, most assume Title I schools offer their students on-par and even better resources. However, this is not the case due to a loophole in the program allowing teachers to be paid less in Title I Schools.
Why does this matter?
Title I schools contain a high number of children who would be considered minorities in STEM. Providing them with fewer STEM enrichment activities, especially given the probable lack of affordable STEM alternatives, leads to fewer minority students in STEM. This affects the student’s higher education and their whole life trajectory.
What am I researching?
My research evaluates FIRST Robotics as a possible solution to this STEM inequality. My experience as part of FIRST was enjoyable, and it consolidated my engineering aspirations. The survey below asks participants about their FIRST involvement and how it has set them up for higher education. A few questions are included regarding participant demographics so I can classify my data further and show how FIRST affects students regardless of their background.
This is where the Chief Delphi community comes in. No one can talk better about FIRST Robotics than the actual people competing, and sharing your experiences will help me decrease the gap regarding STEM education inequalities in Title I schools. Any information is helpful!
(Also it’s a pretty small survey, it shouldn’t take more than 5 minutes of your time)
Form Link: FIRST Robotics' Impact on Students and their STEM Education
Who can fill out this form?
Any current or former participant of the FIRST Robotics Competition under the age of 19 can fill out this survey. All questions are strictly optional, and no personal data regarding participants will be included in the paper. The data will be generalized based on trends regarding STEM education potential.
Where will this data be presented?
I am researching this topic as part of my AP Research Class, but as part of a larger team initiative, we plan to use this data to showcase FIRST’s effects in helping students learn and grow.
Informed Consent
All participants must read through the informed consent form provided in the second part of the survey. If you are under 18, I would gladly appreciate showing your parents the form as well, as a precaution.
If anyone has any questions regarding the research process or how the data will be used, feel free to message me individually or reply in the thread!
