Impact
Inspiring generations of global citizens and
helping them realize their power to build a better future
As we work as a community to prepare young people for a STEM future, FIRST aims to ensure its programs are having a lasting, positive impact on participants across all demographic groups. Our rigorous multi-year longitudinal study, conducted by Brandeis University Center for Youth and Communities, provides strong evidence that participation in FIRST does just that. Even with just one year of FIRST participation, study participants are 2-3xs more likely to have gains in STEM outcomes than a comparison group of peers not participating in FIRST.
About the study
FIRST is partnering with Brandeis University Center for Youth and Communities to conduct a multi-year longitudinal study measuring STEM-related impacts. The study uses a quasi-experimental design with a comparison group. New students participating in FIRST LEGO League, FIRST Tech Challenge and FIRST Robotics Competition and a comparison group of students recruited from math and science classes at the same schools are being tracked over 5+ years. See additional information about the study.