What is the overall aim of the EI/Impact Award submission?

• A. To maximize media exposure.
• B. To illustrate how the team's FIRST experience inspires others, creates meaningful community impact, and builds a durable, inclusive outreach program.
• C. To demonstrate technical innovation exclusively.
• D. To compile internal performance metrics.

Answer: (B)

The aim is to show how the team's FIRST experience inspires others, creates meaningful community impact, and builds a durable, inclusive outreach program. This award isn’t just about what you built or how clever the technology is; it’s about the ripple effect your team creates in people and the community. A strong submission demonstrates real, visible inspiration—stories of students, mentors, and community members who become interested in STEM because of your team’s activities. It also shows tangible community benefits, such as how outreach addresses needs, partners with schools or community groups, and increases access to STEM for underrepresented groups. And it highlights sustainability: a plan or structure that will keep the outreach going beyond a single season and remain inclusive over time. Media exposure or internal metrics aren’t the focus; the emphasis is on long-term, wide-reaching impact and the inclusive reach of your outreach initiatives.