This is exactly what I'm thinking, i.e. rather than programs like FIRST Robotics that aim to inspire students without much actual learning, empowering them with

This is exactly what I'm thinking, i.e. rather than programs like FIRST Robotics that aim to inspire students without much actual learning, empowering them with coding knowledge. I would definitely not mention the word "hacking" in any talks with high-school people, though, since these people do not know the real meaning. Maybe not even "coding".