[Martinez]

The problem I see it is more of communication and publicity then necciarly funds. Yes, the Robotics program is extremely expensive however unlike a football team the money should not be coming from the educational system ie taxpayers but rather through corporations. The idea at least in my mind is to get local industries in technology to support the community through financial investment into a robotics program. Really your comparing apples to oranges.

However, how are we going to obtain the goal of one robotics team to every high school in America and then the world?

People need to know it exist.
The public needs to know the good its doing.
Corporations need to see its worth the investment.

One way to achive this is to talk to our politicians. Constantly they talk about supporting programs that keep kids off the streets, teach them strong moral values and educating them for high tech fields. FIRST does all three, a proven model that works.

Imagine what would happen if Govenour Pataki, Senator Clinton or even President Bush came out and said I support FIRST. This would serve to raise public awarness of the program which in of itself would spearhead new teams.

Close to know one in the Owego area knows about FIRST. I have had three meetings with upper management at Lockheed not just because I'm trying to get their approval but also to educate them as to what it is. They are not even aware of the 30+ Lockheed supported teams.

Really what we need to do is get the word out there. Writing a letter to your Congress Person is exactly that.