[JP_1163]

Keith,

You have done a fantastic job of stating the trials and tribulations of beginning any program. As a mentor of a second year team I can really appreciate some of your comments. I operate in the second category of FIRST teams with limited industry support and limited technical and/or engineering assistance. Locally the students are interested and the parental assistance is good. I believe it is a very valuable program and wish to continue as a mentor and have students enjoy FIRST for many years.
In my particular situation the rural support needs to be accentuated as SD has many bright students who need this type of academic stimulation. With two engineering schools in the state it is my hope that we can continue to fund the program and build a sustainable concept for the future through industry and post-secondary partnerships.