[JaneYoung]

The FIRST Championships provides the opportunity to see the really big picture of the FIRST programs. Our team works really hard to insure that every student on the team has an opportunity to see that big picture at least once in his/her time on the team, if that is their desire. We also think that parents and mentors gain a greater perspective and understanding of the programs by attending the event at least once.

We have requirements that the students must meet such as maintaining passing grades and giving service hours to the team. We try to encourage the students to keep up and do their part so that they can participate in this amazing event.

We also work very hard to insure that we have funds available for the registration(s) and the travel for the seasons that we are attending or hoping to attend. That is something that I'm reading a lot about - how rookies do not have the plans/funding in place to help them if they've qualified to attend. We all need to get better at getting that word out sooner rather than later in helping them prepare for the potential opportunities of the competition season.

Jane