What is the biggest problem faced by FIRST teams?

[AcesPease]

Originally Posted by Koko Ed

While the money problem is the most obvious answer apathy, teacher support and the difficulty finding engineering support (particularly mechanical engineers) are also very real. That is why it so incredible when veteran FIRST teams can last as long as 10+ years because there are so many obstacles facing them to sustain the team year after year.

Looks like your team is looking at 17 years and still going So recruiting mentors and students year after year can be done, and it is definitely worth it.

I have to agree that mentors, especially in key areas is a key to team success. We've had the biggest difficulty with electrical engineers who can help with the control system and programming, you mention mechanical engineers, other teams have mentioned teacher support. If you are missing one of these pieces its hard to field the team.