Many people ask why those who participate in FIRST give of their time and talents to the degree that they do. The fact is, it isn't possible to do FIRST well without doing so, given FIRST strives for excellence in all that one does. More important, innovation doesn't happen without hard work. FIRST teaches youth that hard work and initiative --- being a self-starter --- is how all innovative ideas begin. One need only look to every important advance throughout history, to discover it originated with someone's investment of time/talent.
Below is a link to the opinions of many, as to the difference FIRST has made and why it matters: