NASA Suspends STEM programs!

[Hoover]

The problem with the sequester is that what the are cutting is everything which interfaces with the public like (possibly) STEM. National park services and other *non-essential* services. The politics is as to teach the public, 'this is what you get for asking us to spend more wisely, so don't ask us to do this anymore'. Its an outrage. <political rant off>

[jds2001]

Originally Posted by Hoover

The problem with the sequester is that what the are cutting is everything which interfaces with the public like (possibly) STEM. National park services and other *non-essential* services. The politics is as to teach the public, 'this is what you get for asking us to spend more wisely, so don't ask us to do this anymore'. Its an outrage. <political rant off>

Nah, as the OP said, it's a political football. I think that they want to cause the most visible harm to programs that people care about, but aren't "essential", and to make that fact very visible. I think it's more to teach the politicians "hey look, we did what you asked, now the public hates us! See what you did?"

They could cut completely invisible and unnecessary spending, but instead they choose to do things this way.

</political rant>

[tsaksa]

Let's at least try to look for a bright side in this otherwise bad news. We do have a serious budget problem in this country, and while painful, this could help to address it. This may not be what some of us would chose to do, but then again just about every program has proponents who argue it is essential. Perhaps having teams work to design complex systems with very few resources can be a great lesson in how to deal with real world problems. I believe that FIRST is certainly strong enough to weather a small setback like this.

[Lil' Lavery]

Originally Posted by tsaksa

I believe that FIRST is certainly strong enough to weather a small setback like this.

A small setback? Since when is losing the single biggest sponsor of a program a small setback? Since when is losing a sponsor who funds hundreds of teams, including over 100 rookies each season, a small setback?

IF NASA really is stopping sponsoring FIRST, it is not a "small setback." It is a truly monumental blow to the program.

[synth3tk]

Originally Posted by Lil' Lavery

A small setback? Since when is losing the single biggest sponsor of a program a small setback? Since when is losing a sponsor who funds hundreds of teams, including over 100 rookies each season, a small setback?

IF NASA really is stopping sponsoring FIRST, it is not a "small setback." It is a truly monumental blow to the program.

While I'm at the conclusion that FIRST probably won't be losing any (or much) funding, I have to agree with Lil' Lavery. Let's say that they were to actually cut their FIRST support. That's a crapton of money, countless mentors, and significant funding for some regionals. It would cripple much of the program, and definitely stunt growth.

[F22Rapture]

All I can say is, I hope this passes fairly quickly and NASA is able to continue funding FIRST in 2014.

I'm rather disappointed that Congress has handled the entire thing with the maturity of a high school freshman procrastinating on an essay. One would think that we would have voted them out once they became so dysfunctional that they had to deliberately tie themselves to a metaphorical timebomb to get anything done. Except even with the timebomb they still failed to be remotely productive and pressed the metaphorical snooze button for a year while they got themselves reelected. And when the year had passed and 90% were in their same desks, they hit snooze and presumably watched Jersey Shore for another 3 months before finally just letting the bomb explode.

[JaneYoung]

Young people, and their parents, need exposure to visionary thinkers and doers. So do our politicians. NASA provides much more than just the important funding to the program. It provides inspiration and opportunities for self-discovery, exploring possibilities, innovation, and practical applications. It sets the bar in a way that cannot be duplicated or measured.

Jane

[Grim Tuesday]

There is a way you can make an impact, no matter how small. Write your representative, your senator, your president. Make a petition!

[Bochek]

I'm not sure if this affects FIRST or not. I will be waiting to hear from FIRST themselves.

[Ivan Malik]

This is quite similar to what happened a few years ago with the big 3 in MI... They sponsored the vast majority of teams in SE Michigan (well over 100 combined) and were huge sponsors of all of the regionals (pre-district era.) Many teams lost their entire budget. This isn't including those sponsored by parts manufactures around the area.

Teams diversified their funding, other sponsors were found, and the area switched to being primarily funded by many small sponsors instead of fewer large ones. It ultimately helped the area grow because it forced teams to go out and be more visual to more people. Spreading FIRST to a larger audience.

This may not be a bad thing in the long run. Short run many teams will suffer, but those who survive will be more stable and bring a very different, more healthy IMHO, perspective to those affected regions.

Edit: Perhaps perspective is the wrong word... attitude towards funding? No, not right either... You get what I mean though.

[BrendanB]

Originally Posted by synth3tk

While I'm at the conclusion that FIRST probably won't be losing any (or much) funding, I have to agree with Lil' Lavery. Let's say that they were to actually cut their FIRST support. That's a crapton of money, countless mentors, and significant funding for some regionals. It would cripple much of the program, and definitely stunt growth.

While we can't argue how much NASA does for us, we do have to face the reality of what would happen if NASA did cut funding for FIRST. While I'm sure it would have an impact teams and FIRST as a whole should have a plan for if NASA (or any of their sponsors) decides to part ways or is forced to make budget cuts.

While we don't lose NASA everyday their are teams who see 50% to 100% of their sponsors move on or valued mentors move to a different stage in their life and have to make sacrifices and find new support. If NASA cut funding to teams its not the first time a team(s) have a lost that level of support. Its another challenge to face but its not an impossible challenge.

I hope the above article doesn't have an impact on FIRST but with this economy every team should look at their sponsor list and ask themselves, "What would we do if we lost one or several on this list?" "Have we put too many eggs in one basket?" "Can we raise funds on our own through sales in the school/community?" "Do we have extra funds on hand to meet unexpected expenses?"

Most FRC teams run as a small business and losing partners and resources is something every team should consider like every small and large business owner.

[Cory]

I don't believe anyone in this thread commenting on the impact (with the exception of Sean) has any idea how much money and people NASA puts into FIRST, both at a team level and at a programmatic level.

It is a LOT. You are talking about some events potentially not existing anymore, substantially fewer rookie teams starting each year, reduced competitiveness due to teams not being able to utilize resources such as mobile machine shops, practice fields, etc. Volunteers not being able to attend events...the list goes on and on.

Still, until FIRST or NASA addresses this specifically there's nothing to say that the funding isn't already locked in for this year, or for some contract period. No reason to freak out yet.

[synth3tk]

Just got this email:

Hi, All – You may have heard recently that NASA is suspending its education and public outreach activities due to sequestration.

I am happy and relieved to advise that after checking with the NASA Glenn Educational Programs Office, I was advised that FIRST is among activities that are specifically excepted from the suspension of these activities. Since NASA GRC provides such essential support to FIRST Buckeye, this was a big relief to learn.

I am pleased to let you know we will still be able to have the essential support from NASA needed for the Buckeye. Please feel free to pass that along to anyone who may ask you.

And, most of all, thank you to NASA for sticking with FIRST!

Ann Heyward

[fb39ca4]

Originally Posted by jds200

Nah, as the OP said, it's a political football. I think that they want to cause the most visible harm to programs that people care about, but aren't "essential", and to make that fact very visible. I think it's more to teach the politicians "hey look, we did what you asked, now the public hates us! See what you did?"

They could cut completely invisible and unnecessary spending, but instead they choose to do things this way.

</political rant>

Agreed. They are doing this to get a reaction out of the people, so they then pressure their lawmakers to reinstate the funding.