Starting a Robotics Club/Team

[EricH]

Well, whoever referred you knew what they were talking about. But they forgot something. I'll get back to that later.

Professional engineers and mentors can be lumped together sometimes. Go to your local place that does engineering-type stuff and start asking. (Or find a retired engineer.) ACSE and IEEE (and ASME and SAE and...) would qualify as engineering mentors; Non-Engineering Mentors are also vital (they take care of stuff like finances, marketing, and other things that engineering mentors get too wrapped up in their work to remember).

Sponsorship: School, local place that does engineering-type stuff, local businesses, anywhere that's willing to donate funding, time, or space.

Location: Wherever you can find space. I wouldn't suggest a community center just yet; we're talking taking over a large space for 6 weeks. You will need a secured facility if you can find one; we are dealing with some expensive parts here!

Access to tools: There are a number of threads on CD about tools needed; the main thing is that the mechanicals need to be able to cut and drill, the electricals need to be able to solder and crimp and insulate, and the programmers need to be able to program.

Now, I have a suggestion for you. I see you're in Florida. It might be a bit late for the Orlando Regional (finishing up today)... but the South Florida Regional is March 29-31, at FAU in Boca Raton. Go there and find a team--I suggest 1902, 180, or 190, but most of the teams should be pretty good. Spend as much time with them as possible. Pick their brains.