Rural Teams - Sustainability

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Hello All,

I mentored Wentzville team 1706, they are 45 minutes from St. Louis, and we are on the "perimeter" of what you call "rural". I think everyone would agree that Silex (town 10 minutes from us), where they have a school but no supermarket that is really rural.......

I recommend looking into 4-H, they have a very strong presence in rural communities and along with JC-Penney they have sponsored many teams.

Checkout this site : www.4-H.org

For any teams in Missouri that needs help, let me know. Although I work in St. Louis, I have mentored a team last year all the way in Carbondale, IL. I visited the team 3 times, and the rest was thru virtual communication, I have also done a couple youtube videos for them where I give them some thoughts on their robot design.

I believe that finance/mentor support might be a challenge, but I believe that it can be done in a sustainable way. The focus should be on the process the first 4 years : brainstorming, trade studies, prototyping and testing.....not only in engineering but also in fundraising.....

INCOSE MG sponsored four teams in 2007, 4 years later the Wentzville team has went all the way to quarter-finals at 2011 FIRST Robotics Championship.

If your team is within 3 hours of St. Louis and would like some assistance, let
me know. I would be happy to come over and make a presentation.

Cheers,
Marcos.
International Council of Systems Engineering Midwest Gateway Chapter
INCOSE MG - 2008 President.