More McHenry County Blog

Active and intelligent teens love good competition, robots, an intellectual challenge, more robots and enjoy interacting with other motivated teenagers and mentors. If you recognize this and our nations desperate need to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) in our high schools, then PLEASE consider becoming a sponsor of


What is FOCUS On NASA?
FOCUS On NASA or FON is a revolutionary new STEM program series created by internationally respected Uber-Geek Jeff Gerhardt (for more information just Google “Jeff Gerhardt”), FOCUS ON NASA creates an environment where youth that are excited about science and technology can connect with other similarly interested youth. Focus On NASA has developed nine different science, technology, engineering and math programs that ALL make use of NASA based resources; including a five-tier robotics program that spans an eighteen month period. In 2006 the FOCUS ON NASA program was the recipient of the prestigious BP LEADER Award for High School age STEM program development.

What is UGLI?
UGLI (pronounced ugly) is a group of clubs forming up across Illinois based upon the original UGLC model. The UGLC or the Underground Gamers League of Chicago was an unique youth program experiment that was designed for “geek kids” that were disconnected from the education system. The concept is simple enough, build a center where kids can go to safely hang out and connect with things that interest then; while at the same time LEARNING. The motto of UGLI is “Excellence in Gaming through Mastery of Technology.” It is more than a drop in center and more then just a place for youth to play video games. It is a warm and comfortable place where youth who do not always fit into conventional social or educational settings not only fit it but thrive. The youth help to set the rules and plan the events at UGLI, the youth always come first. So as the youth thrive, so goes the UGLI and so goes Focus On NASA.

What is B2B?
The Birds to Bots Program (B2B) is a hands-on applied science program that teaches youth the mechanical skills behind the physics and math of the projects on which they work. Applied Science is the exact science of applying knowledge from one or more scientific fields to practical problems. Many applied sciences can be considered forms of engineering. Applied science is important for technology development. Its use in industrial settings is typically referred to as research and development (R&D).

In the fall session the students experienced building model gliders, remote control aircraft, medium power rocketry, space science and an introduction to robotics using VEX robotics technology.

A companion program of the B2B program is the ATX (Astronaut Training eXperience) that travels to Kennedy Space Center. We spend 3 days at the center participating in lectures and presentation, including a lunch with an astronaut. We try to plan the trip to coincide with a space shuttle or missile launch. This past year we witnessed a spectacular launch on December 9th.

What is Team Challenger?
Team Challenger is a major component of that five-tier robotics program. Team Challenger is an intensive “hands on” Robot building program that starts during the winter holiday break of 2007 and ends in May of 2008. Team Challenger will consist of youth that will be mentored by our engineering team and compete in the leading international robotics competition for high school age youth. The highlight of the program will be traveling to two NASA Sponsored US FIRST regional tournaments (one in Chicago and one in Milwaukee) and the national championships.

What is the US First Robotics Competition?
FIRST was founded in 1989 to inspire young people's interest and participation in science and technology. FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs that motivate young people to pursue education and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math, while building self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills. FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) is a unique varsity sport of the mind designed to help high-school-aged young people discover how interesting and rewarding the life of engineers and researchers can be. The program is split into TWO-six week cycles for a total of 12 weeks. The FIRST Robotics Competition challenges teams of young people and their mentors to solve a common problem during the first six-week time frame called BUILD SEASON, using a standard "kit of parts" and a common set of rules. All teams must complete their robots Teams build robots from the parts and then enter them in a series of grueling competitions for the following 6 weeks.
Because Team Challenger is a part of an Applied Science program for youth, we do not view this program as a hobby for a bunch of professional engineers. Our program is 100% hands-on by the youth. We may not have the best robot on the playing field. But, we will have a very good robot and AT LEAST we will know in our hearts that our youth team members did the work.

Who can be on Team Challenger?
Enrolment is OPEN to ALL students’ grades 8 through 12. The FTC Program (VEX based robotics) is for grades 8 through 12 and the FRC program (Large Robotics) is for grades 10 through 12. Students do not have to be enrolled in High school, they can be recent graduates as long as they have not yet started college. College students can be team mentors along with out team of professional engineers. This is a serious challenge very similar to the commitment of participating in a major varsity sport. Parental participation contracts must be signed as grades are tightly monitored.

When & where do we meet?
The “official hours” are every weekday from 3:00pm till 8:00pm and Saturdays from 10:00am till 3:00pm. However, the hours are in fact much longer and often go beyond midnight. We make several locations where we meet. Our primary facility is located just off Route 47 in Woodstock. There is LOTS of FREE parking. We are presently building out a youth drop in facility that will be open during the months leading up to the competitive robotics season. We encourage potential sponsors to come visit. Please call in advance of coming.

What kind of Sponsors do we need?
We need all kinds of Sponsors in-kind and cash:
· CASH- This is a high value return proposition (just ask the parents of our youth), but not a cheap to run.
· FOOD and BEVERAGES- This team will have 30 hungry/thirsty teenagers in our charge 6 days a week for 3 months. Ideal for grocery or restaurant sponsorship.
· TOOLS- We need all kinds of tools from hand drills to industrial grade machine tools.
· Clothing- We need team uniforms (T-shirts and camo-pants)
· OFFICE SUPPLIES, PRINTING and SWAG- We have an organization to run. We need to promote our team to other teams as a potential alliance.
· No Minimum size donation
· CASH AND IN-KIND Donations can be combined to get higher level sponsor category (see over)
· MENTOR SPONSORS WELCOME- if your company employees- engineers, machinists, artists, craftsmen, PR or Marketing specialists, your company could sponsor your employee helping out our team; and fully tax deductible.

Sponsors benefits: Sponsors also benefit by participation in Team Challenger
· Corporate Name/logo placed on banners, pit trailer and team shirts/jackets
· Advertisement in our Team Program Booklet.
· Limited use of team logo in ads for all sponsors
· Newsletter: all sponsors get informed of news, events and new programs.
· Its TAX TIME!!!!!! The program is a 501C3 corp, all donations of cash or in-kind are legally tax deductible.
· The Satisfaction for supporting an Award Wining program .

Who are some of our past Sponsors/Partners from Chicago?

· Motorola (Platinum Sponsor)
· After School Matters
· Chicago Public School System
· NASA
· BP (Formerly AMACO)
· LEADER FOUNDATION
· Acme Networking
· Best Buy


Sponsor Options: Contribution Number Available
Platinum Sponsor: Over $50,000.00 One
Additional Benefits:

· Major Sponsor for Season
· Only Corporate Logo on FRC Robot
· Largest Corp Logo on all materials
· Largest Logo On Uniforms and T-shirts
· Largest Logo on Team Pit Banner
· Logo on front cover of Program
· Back Cover ad in Program
· Middle 2 page-spread of Program
· PR Event planned at your business
· Unrestricted use of Team Name and Logo


Gold Sponsor: $25,000.00-$49,999.00 Two
Benefits:
· Second Largest Corp Logo on all materials
· Second Largest Logo on uniforms and shirts
· Inside Front or Back Cover ad in Program
· Second Largest Logo On Pit Banner
· Event planned at your business
· Use of Team Name and Logo for Ads


Silver Sponsor: $10,000.00-$24,999.00 Four
Benefits:
· Third Largest Corp Logo on all materials
· Third Largest Logo on uniforms and shirts
· Full page ad in Program
· Third Largest Logo On Pit Banner


Bronze Sponsor: $5,000.00-$9,999.00 Eight
Benefits:
· Fourth Largest Corp Logo on all materials
· Fourth Largest Logo on uniforms and shirts
· Half page ad in Program
· Fourth Largest Logo On Pit Banner


School or Non Profit: Variable Commitment No Limit
Benefits:
· School or agency Logo on all materials
· School or agency Logo on uniforms and shirts
· Full to half page ad in Program
· Logo On Pit Banner
· Pep rally at Schools
· Small Logo on FRC Robot


Small Business Sponsor: $500.00-$4,999.00 No Limit
Benefits:
· Package adjustable to sponsorship size
· Perfect for local retail sponsors
· small Logo on uniforms and shirts
· ¼ to ½ page ad in Program
· Small Logo On Pit Banner


Family Sponsor: $250.00 No Limit
Benefits:
· ¼ page ad in Program
· Advanced sign-up opportunity on programs for all family members


Friends of the Team: Minimum Donation $1.00 No Limit
Benefits:
· Name on Friends of Team List in Program
· Invitation to all events

Types of IN-KIND donations needed: (All donations tax deductible)
Note- Cash and In-kind donations can be combined for sponsorship levels. Example: a grocery could donate $2500 in cash and $2500 in-kind to become a Bronze level sponsor.

1- Food to feed hungry teens- Ideal for anything from a fast food to grocery to a motivated mom.
2- “Porta Potties”- Our new facilities are a bit slim on washrooms and we could supplement these with commercial chemical toilets. A waste management firm could supply these items.
3- Plumber or Plumbing Contractor- to help us build better washroom facilities.
4- Beverages- Youth go through huge quantities of bottled water and sports drinks.
5- Rocket Components- Hardware Store or Hobby Shop
6- Lumber & Electrical Supply- home center or trade contractor.
7- Electronics- Radio Shack or hobby shop.
8- T Shirts- Shirt shop or ad specialty company
9- Printer- for producing collateral materials
10- Sign Shop- for producing banners
11- Trailer- to haul around our projects and Bots: Trailer Sales company.
12- Transportation- We need an old van that runs reliably: Car Dealer
13- Carpet- Multiple segments thin & tough carpet for 40’x60’ robotics competition surface.
14- Dumpster- need pick up service from November through May


Type of volunteer or expert help we need: (Please note that time is deductible as an “in-kind” donation)

1- Engaged Parents- that want to see their kids in this type of program.
2- Engaged Teachers- to be our inside contact at middle and high schools
3- Engineers- Electrical, Mechanical, Programming
4- Artists- To help our youth generate logos, murals and collateral materials.
5- Craftsmen- electricians, plumbers, carpenters
6- Computer Science- PC/Network Techs, “C” programmers, PC Board designer
7- Model Remote Control Planes- any adult with experience
8- Astronomers-
9- Rocketry- from kits to high power rockets any adult with experience or high interest
10- Applied Technology- Shop teachers, Tool & Die Shop Owners
11-


Items Needed for Drop-In Center:


1- Ping Pong Tables
2- Pool Tables
3- Foos Ball Tables
4- Juke Box
5- Pin Ball Tables
6- Computers: 8 to 12 needed.
7- New Game Consoles: X-box, PS-3, Wii
8- Old consoles: Any Kind
9- Tables (need lots of tables)
10- Kitchen Fixtures
11- Microwave
12- Washroom fixtures
13- PA Equipment
14- Musical Instruments

Labels: Focus on NASA, Jeff Gerhart