Supported by school or sponsor?

[scottydoh]

The school paid the $6,000 for registration and a classroom, which we had to share with two other classes during the day. and they do just about every thing possible to prohibit us for finishing, from taking parts from out closet, to kicking us out on saturday and sunday and the last 5 days of build season, we had to go to a mentors house to finish working. As for the rest of our money, it comes from our sponsors and mentors.

But what really makes me curious, is why so many schools don't support their robotics teams?

Reading to previous posts in this thread, it seems like a majorits of teams are not supported by their schools, and it almost seems like the schools hate their teams, sticking them out in cold sheds, or not even giving them a place to work. I know right now my school is making a big deal over how important technology is, and how its the future, but they are talking out of both sides of their face, because over the past 3 years they have cut almost every technology course offered, and pretend that our robotics team even exists. Our school administrators actually laugh at us when the team makes any kind of request.

I just think that it "technology is now", then schools should do a little more to support their teams. Maybe Dean's Homework next year should be to enlighten your schools about the wonders of FIRST.

[CarterM]

Unions and Laziness, They don't realize that these clubs are the future generations. That's all there is to it!!!!


btw, Robotics is much cooler than Sports, They just don't realize it.

[scottydoh]

Originally Posted by CarterM

Unions and Laziness, They don't realize that these clubs are the future generations. That's all there is to it!!!!


btw, Robotics is much cooler than Sports, They just don't realize it.

I completely agree

[Mr. Van]

Originally Posted by CarterM

Unions and Laziness, They don't realize that these clubs are the future generations. That's all there is to it!!!!

Be careful with blanket statements like this. What evidence do you have that your school faculty is lazy? Why would you say that "Unions" are the reason that schools do not support robotics teams?

I would suggest that many of the faculty sponsors in FIRST are in a union - and glad of it.

I would suggest that one reason schools do not support robotics teams is that they can't find a faculty member who is able to donate the hundreds of hours above and beyond the call of their already difficult jobs. Another reason might be liability. A third obvious reason is cost. How many school activities have a cost/student ratio anywhere as high as FRC?

For those who get "nothing more than a working space" - consider the cost of that space if you had to rent it and pay the utility bills.

We are very, very fortunate to have a great deal of support from our school and administration. It took years and years of work, but it has been worth it.

-Mr. Van
Coach, Robodox

[Lkr220]

The Pascack Valley Regional High School District has always been very supportive of Team 1676. They've always allowed us to use the Tech Lab and Autoshop for building purposes, and we're allowed to stay pretty late (they kick us out around 11:30/12). Last year they started to financially support the team as well.

Because of all that, they are our biggest sponsor/supporter. Then we have corporate sponsors such as KPMG and Dassault Falcon Jet that monetarily support us. All in all I think we have around 15 companies that sponsor us in some way...our website has a more detailed breakdown.

[IndySam]

After reading this thread I feel very fortunate to have our school behind us.

They provide us meeting space, a full machine shop, and stipends for two teachers. They also give us a nice budget to spend on robot parts, transportation and great moral support.

We have always had a good relationship with the school but since forming our parents group it has gotten even stronger. You would be surprised what a group of parents can get when they ask nicely.

We also couldn't participate in this program without the generous donations of our sponsors; Proportion Air, Rolls Royce, Indiana Department of Workforce Development and numerous smaller sponsors.

[GaryVoshol]

Originally Posted by scottydoh

But what really makes me curious, is why so many schools don't support their robotics teams?

When the choice is between supporting a robotics team or buying books and supplies, paying salaries, paying utilities ... guess what wins? Schools are not endless money supplies. Most of them struggle with every dollar of taxpayer support.

[scottydoh]

Originally Posted by GaryVoshol

When the choice is between supporting a robotics team or buying books and supplies, paying salaries, paying utilities ... guess what wins? Schools are not endless money supplies. Most of them struggle with every dollar of taxpayer support.

I think you forgot to include sports. Look at it like this, which is more important, athletics or education, and most schools choose sports, but why (because they are like the rest of society and only care about bragging rights)? But what do sports really get you, they in know way help to better the world (of your future career).

And honestly, Im not every asking for more money out of my school, just for the fact that they would actually acknowledge our team, and not laugh at us any time we have anything to say or take our parts and tools. Actually show up to the competition and show a little support, that doesn't cost any money.

[IndySam]

Originally Posted by scottydoh

But what do sports really get you, they in know way help to better the world (of your future career).

Have you ever played sports? Sports promote physical fitness, teach teamwork and perseverance.

Our event is modeled after sports. Most of my teams best leaders play high school and other organised sports.

[DonRotolo]

Originally Posted by scottydoh

But what do sports really get you, they in know way help to better the world (of your future career).

I strongly disagree.

Just like FIRST teaches teamwork, discipline, accountability, responsibility, hard work, dealing with success and defeat, and fairness, so do sports. You can be the smartest person in the world, but your body will not last that long unless it gets used the way it was designed*, and that means consistent physical activity. Not that many people use the actual sport to make their living, but what is learned is the imnportant part. Just like "it ain't about the robot", one can say "it ain't about the [insert sport device here]".

Even frisbee is a sport. Get out and move around a bit, it's good for you.

Don


*Not to imply that we are designed.

[scottydoh]

I was referring to making a living through sports. Im just P.O'd at my school district, because they will do anything for athletics, yet they discriminate against technology students, eventhough they claim "technology is the most important thing", and "technology is now". And at my school, the robotics team and the sports teams are two very different social classes. The jocks don't ever acknowledge us. Since you all have good luck as far as the school liking your team, how do you accomplish this? Because we could obviously use some help in this area, (all of our previous attempts have failed). Any suggestions on how to "close the gap" between technology and sports?

[IndySam]

What do you mean by the "school liking you"? How much does your district spend on technology education? I bet it's more than you think.

You and I and all of us involved in FIRST are trying to change the way people look at science/technology education. It's going to take a long time but it's worth the effort. Keep showing yourselves off and working in your community and things will get better for you.