Impact
FIRST works closely with research and academic organizations to provide tangible evidence of our impact on students’ education and career choices.
Brandeis University Study
FIRST Robotics Competition
Recently, Brandeis University’s Center for Youth and Communities conducted an independent, retrospective survey of FIRST Robotics Competition participants and compared results to a group of non-FIRST students with similar backgrounds and academic experiences, including math and science. Highlights of the study’s findings include:
When compared with the comparison group, FIRST students are:
- More than 3 times as likely to major specifically in engineering.
- Roughly 10 times as likely to have had an apprenticeship, internship, or co-op job in their freshman year.
- Significantly more likely to expect to achieve a post graduate degree.
- More than twice as likely to expect to pursue a career in science and technology.
- Nearly 4 times as likely to expect to pursue a career specifically in engineering.
- More than twice as likely to volunteer in their communities.
Complete information on the Brandeis University Retrospective Study on FIRST Robotics Competition students is available at:
FIRST Robotics Competition
FIRST Tech Challenge (formerly known as FVC)
FIRST LEGO League
FIRST Stories
Part of FIRST’s vision is to positively transform culture by inspiring young people, their schools, and communities to appreciate and celebrate science and technology. The stories of our students, mentors, sponsors, teachers, parents, and alumni clearly demonstrate that FIRST is about more than robots. It is a life-changing experience – and a lot of fun!