Business Plan

We’ve arranged a civilization in which most crucial elements profoundly depend on science and technology.
-Carl Sagan

Introduction

FIRST—For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology

What is first

FIRST is a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding the interest and skills of students in the fields of science and technology through competitions. One of the key concepts in FIRST is that of “gracious professionalism”—a term that means integrity and friendliness in competition and helping the opposition be the best that they can be, which many other competitive activities lack.

What is FRC

The FIRST Robotics Competition is a high school robotics program designed to build not only interests and skills in science and technology, but also self-confidence, leadership, and life skills among high school-aged youth. FRC challenges teams of students and their mentors to solve a common problem in a six-week time-frame using a standard “kit of parts” and a common set of rules. The robots are built from the collaboration of generally 15 to 30 students and a few adult mentors. The competition is a series of short two and a half minute matches between opposing teams of robots. The competition involves not only the operation of the robots, but also a presentation of the variety of other associated team activities aimed to increase the appreciation of science and technology throughout the school and community, as well as involvement in community service activities. The goals of the program include an increased awareness and interest in science and technology, increased college acceptance, focus on science and engineering careers, and the development of a set of attitudes and skills described by FIRST as “gracious professionalism” – the ability to work together within a team and to work cooperatively with those on other teams, including potential competitors.

2014 Team Membership

Head Teacher Sponsors: Igor Tomcej, Chris Danos, Kevin Horrell, Jill Carlson
Students in 2013: 5 Captains, 18 crew members (3 seniors, 3 Juniors, 3 Sophomores, 9 Freshman)
Students in 2014: 5 Captains, 50 crew members
Mentors: 6 Mentors: 1 Project Manager, 2 Parent Mentor, 1 Software Engineer, 1 Electrical Engineer, 1 Mechanical Engineer

Organizational Structure

Each year our team participates in the FIRST Robotics Competition. We manage our team in a student run hierarchy with mentors and teachers providing guidance. We are lead by a team Captain and organized into four teams (Mechanical, Programming, Electrical, and Outreach). Each team is lead by a Sub-Captain. We work together to produce a robot at the end of a six week period. Our team members, mentors and teachers raise funds for out team to assure our sustainability and success.

How Much We Need

Competing at the FRC level requires not only a significant commitment of time from our team members, but also a substantial commitment from our financial sponsors. Our goal is to raise $30,000 from corporations and individuals for the 2014-2015 school year. This money goes toward supporting the registration of our team for regional and national competitions, robot design and manufacturing, marketing, team travel, sustenance of our team, and community outreach efforts.

Typical Expenditures:

Registration for regional and national competitions: $13,500

First regional event: $5000

Additional regional events: $4000

National competition: $5000

Robot design and manufacturing: $5,000
Marketing: $2,000
Team Travel: $5,500
Food for team members: $3,000
Community Outreach: $1,000

Alternative ways to support our team:

Materials: Aluminum and Lumber. Gift Cards to hardware stores
Labor: Our team is in need of dedicated engineering mentors of all shapes and sizes
Food: During the build season we meet 15 hours per week, most often through mealtimes. Donations of food or King Soopers’ Gift Cards are appreciated.
Travel: Travel benefits with travel agencies along with lodging companies (travel points or vouchers)

Wider Scope

FIRST has four divisions in which students compete:

FIRST Robotics Competition—High School (FRC)
FIRST Tech Challenge—High School (FTC)
FIRST Lego League—Middle School (FLL)
Junior FIRST Lego League—Elementary School (Jr. FLL)

Team 4550, Something’s Bruin, currently participates in the FRC division of the greater FIRST organization.

Mission Statement

FIRST Team 4550’s mission is to inspire members to develop and utilize their knowledge, skills, and curiosity to promote the advancement of Science, Engineering, Mathematics, and Technology, while having fun! Our goal is to increase the perceived value of pursuing technology related fields in society.

team statistics

2012: Formation of Something’s Bruin (Team 4550)
Stems from Cherry Creek High School (Greenwood Village, CO)
1 Captain and 4 Sub-Captains: Mechanical, Programming, Electrical, and Outreach
Received Judge’s Award in 2012 Colorado Regional
A finalist at 2013 Colorado Regional
Participation in Ethioskate

Facilities and Location

Cherry Creek High School, 9300 E Union Ave, Greenwood Village, CO 80111

Access to Accudyne
A Milling Machine
Two Classrooms; One Workshop; One Computer Lab

Sustainability Plan

Retain current members
Maintain current sponsors and community relations
Attract new members through the annual club fair, word of mouth and other school events
Attract new Sponsors through outreach
Expand community outreach programs

This Years Objectives

The Team: maintain a 30-40 member team by recruiting freshmen from our feeder school’s FLL teams and recruiting all levels through school activities
Community Involvement- establish long-lasting partnerships with outside organizations; maintain and grow current level of community involvement
The Robot: build two robots in order to use the second one for valuable driver practice and programming testing
The Competition: raise enough funds to attend both the Colorado Regional and a second regional event (either in Utah or in Texas) with the goal of attending the World Championships in St. Louis in April 2015
FRC Team Connections: continue to collaborate with other local FRC teams and work on the depth of knowledge and relationships; possibly participate in the Fall Challenge raised by Eaglecrest High School
Sustainability: increase Sponsor, Student and Mentor outreach

Benefits To The Sponsors

Our Sponsors will receive company advertising that will be seen by thousands of people, including other teams, schools, engineers, students, parents, etc. At the regional level, your company will be advertised to over two thousand students and mentors, along with over three thousand spectators and volunteers. At the World level, those numbers increase tenfold. Both events are nationally televised for further exposure.

Sponsorship Levels*

Bronze: up to $250: Appreciation letter and recognition on team website.
Silver: $251 – $750: Bronze benefits + Company Logo incorporated on team T-Shirt
Gold: $751 – $1500: Silver benefits + Company Logo incorporated on robot
Platinum: $1501 – $2500: Gold benefits + Logo will be included on team banner
Carbon Fiber: $2501 +: Platinum benefits + recognition plaque from team

*Non-monetary sponsorships will receive monetary value equivalent benefits.