Quote:
Originally Posted by Kleiman
There is little complexity to the numbers.
Previous years in TDSB = $0 for regional (which is local for all TDSB schools)
Now = $7500 - $5000 covered by TDSB = $2500 to qualify for regionals
This includes a trip out of town (busing + hotel)
If we qualify for regionals that's $3000 - $1500 covered by TDSB = $1500
That's $4000 plus two out of town events
(To be clear the numbers covered by TDSB were sent to team mentors with the announcement of moving to the district model)
The bar is raised significantly higher for Toronto teams to participate. If teams think this will lead to program growth, I can't imagine how.
Teams in areas outside of Toronto that struggle to attend one event will surely not be able to pay more and go to three.
More plays for better value vs more small scale and new teams participating... Seems like a no brainer trade off to me.
For the record, we were regional semi finalists this year who may be priced out of FIRST for next year.
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It may be that this is a good opportunity to reevaluate your funding model. As a team with zero school board support, we, like 2706 and nearly every other FRC team, have to somehow generate tens of thousands of dollars each year. As a largely rural team from a community of 1200 you can imagine the difficulties.
Reach out to other teams to see how they do it. Now is the perfect time to be seeking funding. I suggest starting with local service groups like Rotary, Legions, Lions, etc. Not only do they support initiaitives like this that serve youth, doing the presentation gives your team members incredibly valuable public speaking practice.
Local industry is another great opportunity.
One benefit we found of having industry sponsors is that once you get them onboard and they see the value of yhe program they start to hire your students or provide coop or internship opportunities.
Get parents on board to lead up the fundraising efforts so your workload doesn't increase.
Once your community starts to see the value of the program, they will be incredibly supportive.
And if something were to happen to your TDSB funding you wouldn't be left without a program.
As for a second district event...Head north on the 400 (rush hour is going the opposite way) and come join us at Georgian College in Barrie!