Executive Summary
Our Mission
The Aluminum Falcons’ mission is to cultivate interest, understanding, and skill in the fields of engineering and technology. We strive to foster cognitive development in students through team membership, community outreach, project management, critical thinking, and unique experiences. We seek to encourage creativity of thought, perseverance in the face of obstacles, and compromise as individuals who are part of a team.. Our core vision is to become a central example for students, their families, community professionals, local businesses, and our entire school district.
The Aluminum Falcons is determined to inspire students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and promote STEM as a fun and engaging pathway to a brighter future.
History of the Aluminum Falcons
- The Cyber Falcons enter FRC in 2007
- The team was comprised of 5 students and 2 mentors
- The team was changed to the "Aluminum Falcons" in 2010
- Our first FIRST competition was "Breakaway" in 2010
Team Founders
Brian Chidley (high school physics teacher and head coach) has been leading the team since 2010
Joshua Miller (Electrical Engineer at General Dynamics Electric Boat) many years involvement with FRC
Current Team Standings
The team has two dedicated and inspiring leaders:
- Brian Chidley, Physics Teacher, head coach
- Joshua Miller, Electrical Engineer, lead mentor
16 Mentors 32 Students 5 sub-crews 5 Co-Captains
Location of the Team
Robert E. Fitch High School, 101 Groton Long Point Road Groton, CT 06340 – Groton Public Schools School District
Sponsors
Relationship with Sponsors
- Long-term relationships with sponsors
- Sponsor Appreciation Night and Open House
- Direct Internship and Co-op placement for students
- Recognition our multiple forms of media
- Financial and In-Kind Support
- Thank You packages (letter, shirt, DVD) to donors and sponsors
Services Rendered
- Inspire tomorrow’s engineers today
- Design, develop, and perform a robot for the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC)
- Mentor high school students to encourage creativity and innovation through project-based learning
- Development of project management skills, community outreach, and practical life skills
- Create a unique environment that shares and fosters the growth of science, engineering, and technology in local schools and the community
- Opportunities for students to seek internships and co-op placements in STEM-related careers
- Focus actions to the promotion of the FIRST philosophy
- Support of the local community through fundraisers and events
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Sponsor and mentor multiple FLL teams
Summary of Growth
2007- 5 students, 2 Mentors, 2 Major Sponsors
2012- 33 students, 14 Mentors, 8 Major Sponsors
Summary of ACTION Plan
- Summer “Workshop” Sessions for new and seeking students
- Increase awareness of FIRST
- Sponsor and Community Open House Night before closing of season
- Video updates via website blogs, YouTube, social networking, and school morning announcements
Sponsor Growth
- Explore new ways to partner with current sponsors in effort to give back to them
- Continue developing local businesses as sponsors
- Continue to provide quality interns as employees to sponsors
Community Outreach Growth
- Continue working with children through camps & schools
- New community partnerships being developed
Objectives
- Acquire 6 more mentors in programming, mechanical, and electrical
- Acquire and expand to more freshmen and sophomores
- Encourage more participation of female members
- Expand electrical sub-crew
- Create a STEM center in a disused building for robotics for the Eastern Connecticut area
- Host scientific contests to elementary/middle/high school students
Keys to Success
- Integrate Fitch Robotics into a local boy scout and girl scout program
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Integrate robotics into school curriculum as a technology applied arts credit
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Adopt a lean operation approach to reduce waste and increase output
Complete Business Plan (pdf)
· Integrate Fitch Robotics into a local boy scout and girl scout program
· Integrate robotics into school curriculum as a technology applied arts credit
· Adopt a lean operation approach to reduce waste and increase output
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