Quote:
Originally Posted by itsjustmrb
If we start analyzing what happened to the Texas teams, we might have to start looking at whether they are urban or rural and the proximity to a "local" regional.
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Great point. I keep forgetting the mere 75 miles we go to Alamo is half that for you guys.
In addition to the geographic location of the ephemeral teams, we should also look at the life time distribution. Single year teams in El Paso (for example) could simply have found that a rookie grant of $6K didn't cover the additional $6K for travel and stuff. Combine that with other possible factors (*) and a picture might emerge.
But I suspect that there will be a high rate of ephemeral teams in heavy urban areas too.
-Scott
(*) Factors including..
- Local sponsors (other than state grant provider or school).
- Access to long-term mentors. I know that 2468 would fold without Coach Norm, but I also know he can't do it himself either.
- Committed school and district administration. Schools must be willing to celebrate successful years and help work through unsuccessful years. If a school administration looks on robotics like they do Texas football, they miss the point of FIRST's mission and values.
- Competition for mind share with Texas traditional activities (Football, Band, Cheer, etc.). As someone who moved to Texas from Ontario, I was really taken by surprise just how focused Texas schools *and communities* are on Friday night activities. I've yet to see a picture of a high-school robot on the walls of a Dairy Queen.