DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
Company Ownership
The Thunder Colts is a program for St. Mary School students and all members must adhere to the rules and regulations of St. Mary School in Big Rapids, Michigan.
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Hours of Operations
During Build season we work from 10:00- 2:00 on Saturday. In addition, on Thursday from 2:00-2:40 we have STREAM hours where the members of the FTC team members the FLL and FLL jr. teams.
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Products and Services
​To compete in the FIRST ® Tech Challenge program as a well- rounded and competent team that can serve as an example and inspiration to other FIRST ® teams.
Increase the number of FIRST Tech Challenge, FIRST Lego League and FIRST Lego League Jr. teams in Big Rapids Area by promoting FIRST ® and the benefits of strong STEM program in schools.
Develop skills in engineering, machining, computer porgramming, advertising, and promotion, graphic design, logic, and time management.
Learn what careers are actually about and set goals for future education paths.
Learn to communicate confidently with engineering professionals while increasing the number of mentors
Work on team and learn teamwork, leadership, and organizational skills.
Continue to improve on our engineering notebook, specifically aligning it to the goals of FIRST ® and the awards so that we can progress to the next level of competitions.
Demonstrate that hard work and achieving excellence are really what "fun" is all about.
Learn to commit to a process and see it through no matter what it takes.
Increase the awareness of FIRST ® by increasing our social media presence while becoming more active in the FIRST Tech Challenge Tech network.
Ensure that every team member has a specific part and that everyone is well informed of the overall progress of each area.
Inspire younger students by mentoring FIRST Lego League Jr. and FIRST Lego League teams.
Increase the number of sponsors to guarantee the continuous of the program.
Promote gracious professionalism, high integrity, strong work ethics, and social also in school work, extracurricular activities, jobs, and hobbies.
Spread the message of FIRST®
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Suppliers
1. FIRST National
2. AndyMark
3. Pitsco
4. ServoCity
5. Amazon
6. Banebots
7. McMaster- Carr
8. Lowes
9. State Street Hardware
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Manufacturing
We use Tetrix parts supplied by Pitsco. The parts are then painted by one of our sponsors, M&M Collision, We milled the hook attachment with our new mill. This allows for our cleaners to fit close to the gears. We have the ability to manufacture our own parts in the Robot Shop.
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Financial Manager
All money, both incomes and expenses, is managed under the St. Mary School and parish bookkeeping system. Purchase orders, invoices, and receipts are paid for by the bookkeeper for the parish.
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Competition
There are 1,700 teams FTC teams in the state of Michigan. Each team can go up to 3 qualifying events. Based on their performance, they become eligible to attend the State of Michigan Championships. The top teams continue to the World Championships in Detroit, Michigan.
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