[ttldomination]

FIRST is a great program. But the major issue is cost. Even FTC teams are having trouble getting money together. Especially the larger teams. Fundraising is enough, but I doubt one can raise 10,000. It's hard. And we can't all depend on sponsors. Of course companies have to pitch in to the community. But, teams who fail to get enough sponsors simply can't compete.

Another one would be *self committment*. I've seen it a thousand times when a team wants something, and they are simply not willing to work for it. Although if a group of students are "committed" they can get a team started.

Our past few principal's have been really supportive of the program. All of our administrators come to the competition and check out what the team has acheived. It has to do with communit support. A team is less likely to compete if they feel that they have no support. Our team gets major support from the community, and that is a major drive for us.