NEWAYGO, Mich. — A Newaygo County robotics team is in danger of dissolving after 18 years because their main sponsor has "dropped" them.
1918 NC Gears is a Robotics team out of Newaygo County that focuses on teaching teens math and science through robots.
Their main sponsor, NC RESA, is an educational institution in Newaygo County.
On Thursday morning, Michelle Dubois, the marketing and communications coordinator for NC RESA, responded to 13 ON YOUR SIDE's request for comment about the situation:
First Robotics remains a cornerstone of the Newaygo County community. In recent years, we've welcomed new teams at Newaygo and Hesperia High Schools, a significant step forward from when NC GEARS was created to fill the gap for schools without their own teams. With these two schools now offering programs, and with the support of their Superintendents, all Newaygo County students can participate in Robotics at either location. We are now able to better address transportation barriers and broaden student participation opportunities.
Our mission has always been to ensure all students in Newaygo County can engage with First Robotics, and this expansion brings us closer to that goal. With the recent resignation of the NC GEARS advisor, we have a chance to realign our efforts to support our local districts. All equipment and funds from NC GEARS and First Robotics will continue to support students throughout the county.
We are collaborating with the state First Robotics organization to determine the best path forward in supporting and enhancing First Robotics programs in Newaygo County. We are committed to providing opportunities for all students and are excited about the future of First Robotics in our community.
Mentors for the program said they want NC RESA to come to the team and explain the reason they're no longer sponsoring the program.
"Sponsorships come and go," said Jim Barstow, a mentor for the program. "You know, whether they're large sponsorships or small sponsorships, things change. Business is business, and we understand that, but what we ask of our sponsors is to come to the table and explain to us what's going on."
Barstow said they don't know why they were dropped and added that they no longer have access to their workshop, team banners and trophies, tools, or even their current robot.
Mike Haaser, a mentor for the 1918 NC Gears, said the work they do with their teens has a deeper meaning behind it than just math and science.
"It gives them a head start when they go into college, or even if they just decide to go into any career," said Haaser. "They're used to talking to mentors as people, you know, we communicate with them as though their peers. So they have this tremendous advantage. And all we got like nine mentors that every one of them, to a fault, are just dedicated to the kids."
The mentors said they are looking for sponsors to keep their program alive, whether its funding or space for a workshop. If you would like to get in contact with the program, you can email them: info@ncgears.com.
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