Hi All! Last school year my school approved the development of a VEX IQ robotics program. We offer up to grade 9, so just IQ.
We have a fully outfitted team with all the parts and kits that we would need to compete this year. Our issue is time and therefore cost to pay teachers for that time. As of now the kids only get a couple hours per week because we are only registered as an “After School Activity” (ASA).
My original proposal to start the program suggested that we put the robotics under the umbrella of a team sport. This would allow for the right budgets, stipends, and time commitments from teachers and students that join.
We have a new head of school this year who is eager to help the program. She has asked that I create a new proposal for expanding the program.
Would anyone here be willing to share any proposals that they created for admin? It would also be super helpful to get some info on what various schools operating costs are year to year. Likewise, how schools have structured their programs year to year.
I guess really any information that might be asked by a new administrator with little experience of past schools that have robotics programs.
I have experiencing starting a program as well as running a very large one. Your costs will break down to three categories; equipment, fees, and stipends.
Equipment: You’ll want at least one full field and game elements, which will run you $300 plus shipping from VEX. For robot parts, the super kit is a good start. Throw in a foundation add on kit, competition add on kit, extra set of omni wheels, and a 2x long beam pack (there never seems to be enough of those), you’ll have a very good selection of parts for whatever your team wants to build. That list adds up to $530 plus shipping, per robot team. You’ll want to add in some additional batteries and chargers, those can be shared and depends on how many robots you think you’ll start with. If you take full advantage of RECF grants, you can get by with actually spending way less than that. The RECF matching grant provides you with a superkit and competition add on kit for one team, you’ll buy additional parts and all the equipment to start a second team. Other grants available to you may be even more generous. A decent budget for equipment, taking grants in mind is about $300 per robot.
Going in to year two you’ll need another full field of game elements, usually $100. Also the field size is getting larger next year, so we’ll have to allow something for that. the 50% size increase means that the $100 for a half field right now is a good estimate. $100 more per robot for additional parts that you may want is more than plenty for most established teams.
Fees: Of course there is the $150 for the first registered team, plus $100 for each additional. Check robot events for iq tournament prices in your area. They vary widely depending on where you are. Some event partners may even offer you discounts or waived fees as a way to help a rookie team get started. Try to contact some people in your region for advice, we’re always glad to help.
Stipends: I know people who get paid nothing, some that budget $600-$700 per campus to be split among coaches, and others that can make $2000-$3000 per year at an hourly rate (often around $25 per hour). Using your school’s athletic programs as a guide is a good start. The more time you can encourage a coach to be available for students, the better the students are going to be. I know IQ coaches in elementary that put in 10+ hours weekly. A big key to success is making the coaches feel valued.