Evan Rotter was not a strong or motivated student, but he loved mechanics. After joining his Wisconsin high school’s FIRST team, he gained the motivation he needed to improve his grades and make a post-graduation plan. Evan enrolled in a technical college to become an automotive technician.

Background

When teachers at a Wisconsin high school started a FIRST Robotics Competition team, they selected sophomore Evan Rotter as a founding team member. He was not a strong or motivated student, but he had a champion in Lead Mentor and robotics teacher Adam Thiel, who recognized his passion for mechanics in class and believed he would be an asset to the team.

A Pathway Through FIRST

Mr. Thiel was right. Evan became a team asset and a leader. He learned how to collaborate and work under deadlines. FIRST gave Evan the motivation he needed to improve his grades and figure out a post-graduation plan. The team Mentors even awarded Evan the team’s Senior Scholarship. Channeling his passion for cars and skills he learned through FIRST, Evan enrolled in a technical college to become a Ford Technician, and became a top student in the program.

In Their Own Words

This case study shares how Evan found his path to a fulfilling career through his FIRST team and Mentors, in the words of Evan and Mr. Thiel.

“I’m now studying at a technical college to be a Ford Technician … a two-year program in which you alternate between school and a job at the dealership … Everything that I am doing now in class, I had learned previously on my robotics team.” — Evan Rotter, FIRST Alumnus

View Case Study