The Cochise Robotics Association is an Arizona 501(c)3 non-profit public charity dedicated to prmoting science and technology education for the students of Cochise County Elementary, Middle and High schools. The Association does this by collecting and disbursing funds required for the student robotics clubs to participate in various local, regional and national robotics competitions. The Directors and Members of the Association serve on a voluntary basis and are not paid for their service.
One organization we support is the Nifty Engineering Robotics Design Squad (NERDS) of Buena High School in Sierra Vista. Not only do they participate in regional and national competitions, they also visit the local grade schools to stimulate interest in science and technology and have mentored four FIRST Lego League teams. During the summer months, they host Robotics camps for interested Middle School students.
These endeavors are not without costs however. The cost of entering a competition and building a FIRST Robotics Competition robot is about $10,000. Competition expenses including travel can run between $25,000 and $40,000 per year. Expenses associated with sponsorship and mentorship activities are around $5,000. It is through the support of businesses, organizations and people of the community that these costs can be borne by the teams. The school districts themselves do not fund any of these activities.
The Cochise Robotics Association wishes to extend to you the opportunity assist us in supporting the development of the future engineers and technologists of Cochise County through the funding of these worthwhile programs designed to inspire students toward careers in these fields.