Finding a space outside of school

[Tinmint1]

The tin mints have always been a community team and didn't actually have a home until September of last year. We had been working out of our mentor teams shop for almost a year. We went to local realtors and other things and had no luck. We ended up lucky that one owned a mall in our area and was able to donate a 5,000 sq.ft space that we could fit our JrFLL, FLL, and FTC out of too. They were working out of a mildewy basement for three years at that point, And it wasn't a great place to meet.

Being the coaches daughter I was more involved in this process then most, but my advice is to just keep reaching out. Go in person adult or even student as long as there is a plan. If you have to go to one hundred places before you find anything it's worth it. Despite it being hard don't give up, someone will say yes.

[Jon Stratis]

Our rookie year we built out of a parent's garage. Years 2-4 we were essentially "squatting" in an unused area in a building in St. Paul - There was an engineering co-op on the first floor that sponsored us, and we got support/sponsorship from the building manager. Years 5-7 the school officially leased a space in that same building for us. Now we're finally in a space at the school.

There's another local team that is in a big empty area in the local mall.

[maddiemagno]

When looking for a practice field you shouldn't limit yourself. The best thing you can do in this situation is call any location that fits your criteria. When I was trying to find a practice field for my team I called a bunch of locations that turned me down but pointed me to the right direction. They gave me info to other places that might have been able to give me space and eventually I found a spot for free! The key here is persistence. Literally just bug everyone you know until someone gives you the space you want. Also make sure you stress the fact that you're from a non-profit organization and that there's some kind of benefit for them by helping you. Other than that good luck finding a place!

[rlowe61]

CRyptonite has used a location in a strip mall for the last three years, before that was out of a Mentor's garage. We also have a large storge shed (shipping container) behind the school to store items not needed at the build site. The district is breaking ground for a new STEM center on the 28th with the hopes it will be completed and ready for occupancy in December. Being in Houston, moving in December isn't like moving in December in the North.
If your sponsors can't provide a space, see about funds to help with an off site location. The key is don't be afraid to ask for help.

Good Luck.

[fb39ca4]

Our team does not have a dedicated space at school - we set up in a classroom, have a meeting, and then pack up at the end.

[Clem1640]

Originally Posted by fb39ca4

Our team does not have a dedicated space at school - we set up in a classroom, have a meeting, and then pack up at the end.

That's okay for FTC, but it is a really rough way to run FRC! My hat's off to you for making it work.

[Tungrus]

If you have Hacker's Space (of some sort...HAM or DIY/Makers groups) in or around your city, check with them i3Detroit has been gracious to accommodate at least one FRC team.