FIRST
Bear Metal and FIRST
by Sean M., TRC President
Bear Metal is a high school robotics team participating in the FIRST Robotics Competition. The mission of FIRST is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.
Dean Kamen is an inventor, entrepreneur, and tireless advocate for science and technology. His passion and determination to help young people discover the excitement and rewards of science and technology are the cornerstones of FIRST.
Robotics has a very positive impact on the lives of high school students. Robotics helps to increase the employability of students and gives them a jumpstart in their education by giving them firsthand experience in many industrial strength programs and concepts. According to an independent study by Brandeis University, students who participate in FIRST 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.
More information about the Brandeis study is available at FIRST.