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Re: Advice needed!
Hi Kevin,
Lots of questions you ask are problems faced by many FRC teams frequently, so don't feel that you are alone. The fact that you still have motivated parents is already a great start.
To keep students, honestly, the best you can do is show that it will be fun - go to off season events with the team, show off at pep rallies, etc. Bring students to workshops to learn about how they can contribute. You can never guarantee that the kids will stay, I know Peninsula HS and know how many extra currics you have, but demonstrate the value of being on a team.
Honestly, raising money from small businesses is a very doable goal. Create a fundraising packet and have students go door to door asking for donations. Think of materials you need, call up companies and ask for specific item donations (eg. computers, sheet metal). Read up the FIRST NEMO guides.
If you have a hard time getting mentors, partner with an area team. 294, 330, 1197, and other teams are all in close proximity. Work with them. Most mentors do not work for pay, ask students to see if their parents know engineers who are interested.
Invite new mentors to talk to other mentors, and if you get them early enough, invite them to offseasons to get a better feel of the events and how they run. Battle at the Border in SD is next weekend (Oct 12), and SCRRF Fall Classic in Hollywood is Oct 19.
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