Hidden in my reply above was the funding issue.
How much does a JV basketball team cost a school district every year?
How much does a robotics team need to compete in one regional?
What happens when said basketball (football,track...) makes "State"?
Money is found to send them.
Its a priority issue. Ultimately we (society) decides where we will spend what money we have. If enough of us believe that robotics is at least as important than <pick a sport> the money is there.
I think the long term model *has* to eliminate the idea of begging for money from local businesses. (Although I like the connection that is made when this occurs, business becomes interested in what a school is doing)
So let s keep changing the world. It won't happen this year, or even next but change can/will occur if we continue on our course. The more scholarships and college acceptance letters that have a basis in FIRST will help accelerate the process.
As for the data showing a flattening curve. We have shown growth in an economy that has been pulling back for two years. We showed good growth while the economy was high.
There are more factors involved *as long as we continue with the idea someone besides the school should pay for this*
Rant over. I feel better. I need to go read the hints for the next game again :-)