NASA Suspends STEM programs!

[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