Looking to start a new team in PA

[BreakDancingCow]

I am currently a student at Penn State, University Park. I am part of the robotics club at the school and me and a few other past FIRSTers were possibly interested in starting a FIRST team at the local high school. We haven't done anything yet and still are not completely sure if we will be able to with the resources available. I was wondering if there were any local teams that might be able to inform me on some things about starting a team in the area. I was just wondering specifically about getting funding, if there were any local places that would like to donate money or materials. If it seems like there will be a good chance of starting the local teams could get involved with mentoring the team. Any help that anyone could give would be very useful. Being out of my FIRST team and in college really makes me miss it. I would love to get involved again specifically with starting a new team.

[team222badbrad]

I am currently a Penn State student at the Wilkes-Barre/Lehman campus several hours away from U-Park. I don't know much about that area, but perhaps if I attend U-Park in the future; I would be glad to help out. I am currently going to graduate with my 2yr degree at the end of this semester and then decide what to do.

Hope you can get something started!

[OZ_341]

Originally Posted by BreakDancingCow

I am currently a student at Penn State, University Park. I am part of the robotics club at the school and me and a few other past FIRSTers were possibly interested in starting a FIRST team at the local high school. We haven't done anything yet and still are not completely sure if we will be able to with the resources available. I was wondering if there were any local teams that might be able to inform me on some things about starting a team in the area. I was just wondering specifically about getting funding, if there were any local places that would like to donate money or materials. If it seems like there will be a good chance of starting the local teams could get involved with mentoring the team. Any help that anyone could give would be very useful. Being out of my FIRST team and in college really makes me miss it. I would love to get involved again specifically with starting a new team.

Our team has several very experienced and enthusiastic build team members that go to PSU. PM or email me and I will send their contact info.
Also if you would like, you can order a "Team in a Box" DVD, free of charge, from our web site at www.team341.com

Please let us know how else we can help. Good luck!!

[BreakDancingCow]

Originally Posted by OZ_341

Our team has several very experienced and enthusiastic build team members that go to PSU. PM or email me and I will send their contact info.
Also if you would like, you can order a "Team in a Box" DVD, free of charge, from our web site at www.team341.com

Please let us know how else we can help. Good luck!!

Actually, one of your past team members is in the Robotics Club here with me. He was interested in the concept too. Funny how many connections there are.

[RoboMom]

Hi Tim,

Why don't you contact Rich Kressly, the PA Senior Mentor rkressly@usfirst.org He could give you guidance on how to organize this and would know about past inquiries in this geographic area, and what supports there are. Raising the money from scratch in an area that has no FIRST teams is a lot of work.
Good luck! Hope your vacation is timed around the Chesapeake Regional.

[BreakDancingCow]

Originally Posted by RoboMom

Hi Tim,

Hope your vacation is timed around the Chesapeake Regional.

I really wish it was. But my spring break ends the weekend before the competition. I still might be able to get back. I really like the Chesapeake Regional.

[Ashley Weed]

As for resources here at the University, there is a lot of money in each individual College to support a team. From Smeal - to Engineering, they would ALL have interest in the team if you create a proper presentation of FIRST. The school State College, and the outlying schools, i.e. Tussey District are also quite able to support a team. I also know several individuals relocated to University Park who would be willing to be resources. Feel free to contact me for more information.

[BreakDancingCow]

Originally Posted by Ashley Weed

As for resources here at the University, there is a lot of money in each individual College to support a team. From Smeal - to Engineering, they would ALL have interest in the team if you create a proper presentation of FIRST. The school State College, and the outlying schools, i.e. Tussey District are also quite able to support a team. I also know several individuals relocated to University Park who would be willing to be resources. Feel free to contact me for more information.

I though about going through the university but I know that a lot of the departments can be very stingy. We had dificulty getting funding for our robotics club from a few of the engineering departments. But I might look into some of the other things...just when I'm a little less busy. Thank you.

[Ashley Weed]

Originally Posted by BreakDancingCow

I though about going through the university but I know that a lot of the departments can be very stingy. We had dificulty getting funding for our robotics club from a few of the engineering departments. But I might look into some of the other things...just when I'm a little less busy. Thank you.

You may have better luck with a program like FIRST. If you can present the demographics of the students of other teams, and the students as they leave the program - it could be beneficial to the University to host and fund a team. Many teams nation wide are represented at Penn State, I am alumni of one such team with approximately 75% of its graduates fed into the Penn State system. Keep in mind that you may pull resources from the direction of Altoona also. Not only funding but also mentorship.

[Rich Kressly]

Yes, please let me know how I can help. My past attempts at PSU haven't worked out, mostly due to the lack of people on the ground to make it happen.

There is a real need in the middle of the state for a FIRST "home" and PSU is the perfect fit. Stating an FRC team is definately something I can assist with and would love to do.

[Mr MOE]

Tim:

A team in Happy Valley would be great!

In addition to knowing some MOE 365 alumni at PSU, I am the DuPont recruiting lead for Penn State and get up there a few times per year to talk with the folks in the Engineering Departments. I also happen to be a alum myself.

Let me know how I can help!

[Martinez]

I know Chuck 84 has some grads at Penn State. They tend to come back for Saturday meetings to help us out. This weekend, I'll give em your name and see what they think.

[Rich Kressly]

OK Penn Staters, you need to:
1. organize a group of interested student/mentors
2. find a least one professor willing to be on board on some level
3. I'll facilitate the discussions with area high schools and even have documentation that shows how FIRST helps students meet state standards.

Ideally, we'd love to have your whole group of stakeholders visit the Philly Regional as VIP's, get the tour, and plant the seeds for next year...

We're ready when you are.

[RoboMom]

and there is also the Pittsburgh Senior Mentor, George Burchin gburcin@usfirst.org
for ties to the western part of the PA.

[BreakDancingCow]

Thanks guys for all your help. I just gotta find some time now to make it all happen.