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Unread 02-06-2014, 10:50
brucebacon brucebacon is offline
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FRC #4293 (Komodo)
Team Role: Mentor
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Rookie Year: 2012
Location: Colorado
Posts: 1
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Re: Feasibility of Starting a Team

As one of the founders of a new team I can tell you it took us a lot of work and effort to get the team off of the ground. Here is how we did it:

1. Because we weren't connected to a specific school, we established our own 501(c)3 organization. You really need to be part of some non profit in order to get the corporate donations you'll need to fund the project. This is a 90 day effort and required a $700 investment. If you're going to be part of a school, you'll need their support to leverage their non profit status and manage the finances.

2. Get a core set of mentors with FIRST experience that can build the program. This team will have to be very committed. We have a number of large aerospace companies in the area and were able to build a team from them that had experience and a passion for FIRST. Without them, we'd have never gotten the team off the ground.

3. Location to meet and work. Again this is not a big deal if you're part of a school program. We took a different direction and got pair of machine shops (Superior Metal Products and Focused on Machining) to sponsor and host us. They provided us with a great set of mentors and an awesome facility to meet in. As a result, our kids are learning how to effectively design parts with CAD that can be built and they have also learned how to do professional level machining. We've even had one student get a job as a part time machinist based on this experience.

4. Raise money. As absolutly much as you can. Work the local community and corporations to get funding in.

5. Recruit team members and promote your team.

You're taking a good first step by tapping into the FIRST community. There are lots of resources that can help you along the way. Talk to other teams and your regional staff.

No mistake about it, this a big big effort but very rewarding. Take your time in making the decision to ensure that you and the entire founding team understands the effort and is committed to it.

Good luck!
Bruce
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