[MrJohnston]

One of the biggest things that keeps us going is the open support from the local tech industry.

Schools are supposed to be educating the future workforce and when powerful local employers point at robotics and tell the school, "THIS is what you need to be doing," it speaks volumes.

Find the largest tech, machining, etc. employer in your area and arrange to make a presentation to them - having your kids do most of the speaking. Then, instead of (or in addition to) asking them for money, ask if they'd write a letter in support of your club to the "powers that be" in your school. Your school board is likely elected... In some areas, superintendents are elected, too.... A letter from a company with potential political clout can do quite a bit...

We are fortunate we I live as we serve a large number of Boeing and Microsoft employees - not to mention countless other tech groups. A conversation between a couple of supervisory-level Boeing engineers and our superintendent a few years ago has spurned a major growth in FIRST in our distirct - mostly in the elementary and middle schools, so far...