[waialua359]

Our team is currently undergoing intense robotics summer projects, grant/funding writeups and acquisitions, modifications of 2013 robot for IRI/TRR, ordering of equipment/materials, traveling to technology conferences, seminars, tournaments, and training.

I mentioned this on my FB account, but our program has already acquired $76k out of our $120k goal for Summer 2013 - May 2014 covering VEX and FRC expenses. We are invested in VEX (and the new IQ) as much as FRC and spend quite a bit of time on the business plan in budgeting to meet next year's expectations and goals.

Funding and success is no accident. We arguably spend the most time similar to that of other successful FRC teams in preparation for any project we venture into.

Personally, I give up my entire summer and many weekends/breaks unpaid for the success of our team along with all of our volunteer mentors and students. We have found that by getting a headstart immediately after CMP, makes a huge difference in the amount of effort needed to meet our goals, albeit in order to survive!

Some new things we are discussing in formal/informal meetings:
-Going to Japan for a Robotics Exhibition Forum for High School students and participating in a Japan VEX Tournament the following week.
-We are confirmed to go to the 2015 Australian Regional if it comes to fruition.
-We are talking about going to either Calgary or Montreal in 2014 if the schedule permits and are working with Mr. Mark Breadner in helping us make it possible.
-Starting an LLC whose main focus is to support our program and its initiatives. We have some successful alumni willing to help us with their experiences and successes as business owners, including overseas in China.
-Getting our Waterjet up and operational.
-After a visit last week at FRC Headquarters and seeing the latest equipment that Dean Kamen has purchased, I am inspired to be the 1st High School to get the same, if possible, which I found WAY more cool than a Waterjet.