[Pat Roche]

First let me start by saying that the team i belong to (134) has never really had a big sponsor. We have to fundraise year round. This is no easy task. One of the many things our team has learned to do well in the past few years is to write grants. Keep in mind though that no grant is a guarentee.

As for engineering there is no better way to learn how to do it than to do it.
We work by using simple hand tools and a drill press or two. We operate through build season strictly under the guidance of parents(only one of which is and engineer) and a teacher. The only space we have to work in is two classrooms and a closet the size of a bathroom.

I also feel that by having less engineering it helps bring our team closer together and create a better atmosphere.

Believe it or not FIRST is integrated into the class room. Granted you may not have a class called FIRST Robotics 101 but your school might have a wood shop class or a CAD class. Some schools offer computer science courses. My school offers a web page design class. You don't necessarily have to be working only on FIRST stuff to be doing FIRST. Courses like these prepare you to apply certian things to FIRST.

Keep an open mind and work hard. Things can happen unexpectedly and you will remain competitive.


-Pat

P.S.-->We have been able to remain competetive winning two regionals and coming in as a runner up at a few more under these circumstances