[Jon Stratis]

Definitely hit up your corporate sponsors again. Having the students help pay for it can also help a lot - for example, the students may have to pay for their plane tickets for the trip (I know back in high school i took a big trip similar to this with a school group and it cost a fair amount to go - nothing is free).

While it's too late now to help much, it's a great idea to be thinking about this before you win. Setting some aside early on can really help, and talking about the possibility with your sponsors can help you know where you stand - many companies will give you $X now, and promise another $X if you make it to nationals.