We have not required our students to pay for anything in the past. In the last 2 years, we have attended 2 regionals plus championships. We also compete in Vex and BEST. Again, no cost to them.
After reading the comments in this thread from other teams, I think that it is important that the students have some type of 'buy in' to our program.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Collin Fultz
In the end, it's an investment in your future. If parents and students cannot see the value in the team, then we as a team are not doing our job of showing the benefits of being a team member.
In fact, I'd argue that in a world with so much uncertainty, FIRST and programs like it are one of the surest bets out there.
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I couldn't agree more. Our problem is that the student population is made up of over 96% economically challenged families, and also on the free/reduced lunch program. So trying to collect any monies for fees is next to impossible.
I do like the idea of sending them out to talk to small businesses about sponsorship. Thanks Collin.
Since our whole team is graduating this year (I know, not very well planned), we will be starting with a complete new set of faces next year. I think that by setting goals for them at the beginning will benefit both the team and the students.