Purpose This handbook is an information source and communication tool for members of the TechnoKats Robotics Team, its supporters, and their families, and for other FIRST Robotics teams. Contents Purpose and Contents Partnership and Sponsors Goals Awards Organization Mentors Projects Schedule: September and October, 2011 Schedule: November and December, 2011 Schedule: January and February, 2012 Schedule: March and April, 2012 Scholarship: Requirements and Community Business Outreach Fundraising and Finances Student Involvement and Travel and Commitment Mentor Student Competition Role Application Student Shop Map Contact Information This handbook is current as of March 20, 2012. Details and dates may change throughout the year. For the most current schedule, see the TechnoKats web calendar: http://www.technokats.org/calendar.php
Requirements According to the student contract (see page 20), each student must maintain a C- or better in each course in order to be eligible for team travel. Grades are a Priority This grade requirement is strict and is not trivial. Students should put their grades before any team needs. This grade policy applies to AP courses also. There are no exceptions, unless team leaders find an extraordinary situation that warrants the exception. Assistance In order to help the students meet this requirement, study tables and tutoring will be available for students who are in need of help. Students should depend on team mentors for personal tutoring assistance if needed. Rewards There are many potential rewards for TechnoKats members. Scholarships Each graduating senior will receive $100 per year of team membership (in full) as a college scholarship. This must include at least one other year as an active member. More than twelve million dollars in other scholarships were available for FIRST Team members in 2011. Check out the list on the FIRST web site: http://www.usfirst.org/scholarships Internships Experienced TechnoKats are exposed and preferred for internships within and other companies. Delphi has hired college-aged interns at the facility. Experience Many corporations across the nation are participating in FIRST and want to hire FIRST students. Being on a FIRST team will expose students to these corporations and also help teach the skills that these companies desire.
There are many chances to mentor TechnoKats students as a sponsor, including: Mechanical/Machine Design Electrical Design and Wiring Software Development and Programming CAD – Design, Drafting, Animation Metalworking and Part Fabrication Carpentry and Construction Project Leadership Marketing and Public Relations Fundraising and Financial Management Video and Graphic Publications Machine Shop Management Strategy Development and Coaching Travel Coordination Event Planning A lead technical mentor is expected to commit to the following. Fall (pre-season) activities September: attend 3 meetings at the shop October: attend 4 meetings at the shop form and attend team workshops November: attend 4 meetings at the shop form and help with tour if available December: attend 2 meetings at the shop help with Ball Drop preparation and setup Build season activities – January attend kickoff attend and lead shop work session one weekday per week attend Saturday work sessions as available visit shop after work to check on progress in area of responsibility at least every other day attend Sunday work sessions as available (total 3 or 4 afternoon/evening work sessions, 3 Saturdays) Build Season Activities – February attend and lead shop work session one weekday per week attend Saturday work sessions as available stay at shop later in the evening as “ship date” approaches – this can include coming back to the shop from 9-11pm, 5-8 times during the last weeks of build season attend Sunday work sessions as available (total 3 or 4 afternoon/evening work sessions, 3 Saturdays) Adults associated with the TechnoKats are encouraged to help out in any way they can assist the team. The efforts of these sponsors must be student-focused and within the spirit of FIRST. Adults volunteer their time to act as coaches and mentors by working with the students during team meetings, after regular work hours, during weekend work sessions, and at project and FIRST Competition events. The listed commitments are for a lead engineer on the TechnoKats who has responsibility for some portion of the robot build (mechanical, electrical, software). engineers can significantly help the team without attending all of these work sessions. They help one of the lead engineers in the area they choose. These mentors can make an impact while helping to lead a project, a fundraising effort, or other activity on the team.