Measuring FIRST’s Role in Youth Empowerment
Our research: The Numbers
98.2%
Of robotics students feel more ambition to pursue a STEM career - A 69.2% increase compared to non - students.
What the kids Are Saying about robotics
“Robotics has helped me with so much in my life. I have become more confident in who I am. It has also helped me overcome a lot of my social anxiety. I’ve meet some of my best friends through robotics. I am going to school for music education. While I may not be going into a traditional STEM field I plan on trying to incorporate STEM in every aspect of education.”
— A FIRST robotics student from our research questionnaire
“Robotics gave me a place where I could fully embrace being "me," and has been such a huge part of my life since I've started at the age of 16. I compete on the college level in robotics now, and I've been having nothing but a great time.”
— A FIRST robotics student from our research questionnaire
67.2%
Of robotics students try harder at math in science in school as a result of joining robotics
What the kids Are Saying about robotics
“Robotics has made me more confident and has given me something that will inspire me throughout all my years in middle school, high school, and college. It has also given me an opportunity to know my teammates better while developing engineering and leadership skills. Robotics has also made me enjoy my school much more, and as a result led me to try harder in classes. I hope other children will get to experience VEX or FTC robotics, as it is a life changing experience.”
— A FIRST robotics student from our research questionnaire
“It gives me a good community to fall back on and I’ve made so many new friends from being on an FTC team and an FRC team. It inspired me to want to pursue engineering in college after I graduate.”
— A FIRST robotics student from our research questionnaire
85.7%
Of students experienced notable improvement in their leadership skills after joining robotics
Putting it all together
Our first research paper
This project uncovers something big: Robotics isn’t just building robots. It’s building futures! With almost 99% of students reporting boosted STEM ambition and sharper problem-solving skills, the data shows robotics teams ignite innovation, leadership, and academic drive. It’s where passion meets purpose, and students don’t just learn. They launch. They connect. They thrive. They win.
Check out our first version of our research paper on our research driven website. *Coming soon!
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