The field of engineering is evolving at a rapid pace in the pursuit of cutting-edge technologies. Encouraging students interested in robotics to experience the world of engineering during their secondary education will bolster the pipeline of people pursuing degrees or careers in engineering, which is important for industry.

The international nonprofit organization For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) encourages students of all ages to become involved in robotics and technology. At the high school level, the annual FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) gives students exposure to engineering skills through training and hours of hands-on experience designing, fabricating, and programming a robot with autonomous features. Mentors with formal education and experience in the field educate the students on the principles of engineering, prototyping, and problem solving, and teams have eight weeks to design and fabricate the robot before competitions start.