Limited by the Coronavirus (COVID-19), our team sought new avenues to conduct impactful outreach capable of fostering STEM growth across the state for years and decades to come. In pursuit of this mission, FTC 14320 initiated the Ohio FIRST Advocacy Conference (OFAC).
What is OFAC?
A longitudinal study by FIRST and Brandeis University showcases that FIRST participants continue to show positive impacts on STEM-related interests and attitudes six years after they entered the program. Impacts include increased interest in STEM, STEM knowledge, and interest in STEM careers. FIRST team members are twice as likely to show gains on these measures than students who did not participate in FIRST Robotics.
The goal of the Ohio FIRST Advocacy Conference is to pursue a "FIRST Robotics Grant", which will appropriate Ohio state government funds to FIRST Robotics teams based in the State of Ohio. Grants funded are intended to increase the number of pupils demonstrating proficiency in STEM, and are college-and career-ready upon high school graduation.
The Team Grant will be used by teams to potentially cover the costs of competition registration, tools, materials, food, and other expenses needed to support the team.
Read our congressional one-pager below or download here.
More exciting news for FIRST teams in Ohio coming soon... Stay Tuned!