[tim-tim]

Coming from both ends of the spectrum - for credit and not for credit - here are my thoughts:

My high school team, 836, does not give credit for participation

The current team I mentor, 401, does give credit for participation

The difference, while not true in all cases, the students tend to show up for a grade when they are receiving credit. I feel that there is more passion and motivation in the team that does not receive credit for their participation.

836 has team members showing up 20-30 mins ahead of time, while 401 has a relatively empty shop for the first 15-20 mins. Again, this is not going to be the same across the board, but I just want to give some caution.

Both teams have a great relationship with the school system and the community.

On a side note - I receive college credit for mentoring the team from VT. The class is a technical elective "Engineering Leadership and Management." My grade comes from teaching the students the design process and not the actual performance. I am the only one in the class with FIRST experience.

Hope this helps