What is the primary objective of the EI/Impact Award?

• A. Recognize teams that inspire others through FIRST participation by demonstrating meaningful, lasting impact on the community and STEM engagement.
• B. Recognize teams with the most technical awards.
• C. Recognize teams with the largest sponsorship totals.
• D. Recognize teams with the fastest robot performance.

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is recognizing teams that inspire others through FIRST participation by creating meaningful, lasting impact on the community and STEM engagement. The EI/Impact Award focuses on how a team uses FIRST as a platform to influence people beyond the season—through outreach, mentoring, and programs that endure over time. It emphasizes making a real difference in people’s interest and opportunities in STEM, not on robot speed, sponsorship totals, or the number of technical awards. A team that conducts sustainable outreach, partners with schools, and demonstrates measurable impact on youth engagement exemplifies this award. So the description that centers on inspiring others through lasting community and STEM impact is the best fit.