Coaches tell board robotics costs run tens of thousands a year and ask district and community for help

Three volunteers who coach and support Harper Creek robotics addressed the board on Feb. 10 to outline program costs, state grant support and community fundraising needs.

Peter Eckman, a high‑school head coach, said high‑school robotics typically costs far more than many school extracurriculars because teams build a new robot each year from raw materials and pay steep participation and event fees. "The average is about 18 to $26,000 per year," Eckman said, adding that a typical competition entry to put a robot "on the carpet" can cost about $6,000 and that the Michigan Department of Education grant the program accesses is usually about $6,000–$8,000.

Eckman described a newly formed nonprofit, the Harper Creek Robotics Boosters, to fundraise for teams across the district and said volunteers often cover out‑of‑pocket costs. He asked the board to consider whether the district or community partners could provide additional support so students can reach regional and state competitions; he said the team was about five points short of qualifying for the state championship last season and that travel to a state event would cost roughly $10,000 including lodging and food.

Parent and volunteer Doug Kachman, whose children participate in middle‑school and high‑school robotics, stressed the program's educational benefits and described the competition's collaborative "gracious professionalism" model, in which teams form temporary alliances at events and share technical help.

No board action was taken during the meeting. Board members thanked the coaches and volunteers, and several directors noted fundraising and sponsorship outreach as next steps.

Speakers requested that the district and community consider additional funding or partnership avenues; the coaches said they already pursue grants and community donors and have begun seeking corporate sponsorships and local club grants.