Walton Robotics, FIRST Team 2974, started in 2008 in Marietta, GA with 10 members, 2 mentors, and 2 sponsors. We now have over 40 members, and many dedicated mentors and sponsors.
We are excited to have a new Walton Robotics Lab or build site at our school campus for the first time, in the fall of 2021. Other than the upgrades to convert the old Aux Gym into our new build site, we do not get financial support from the high school, school district, or state.
Contributions from parents and corporations fund our robot, outreach, training, travel, and practice field costs. Our non-profit Walton Robotics Foundation raises and manages team funds, and our sponsors generously provide $45,000 in grants and substantial time-in-kind support.
Our coaches, two Walton High teachers, spend 1,000 hours yearly on FIRST. Unlike other coaches at school, they are not compensated for time spent outside of class. Similarly, an accomplished FRC team in our area lost all school support and must now function without that help (We support the independent community team formed in its place, East Cobb Robotics Team 4910). We have begun discussions with state officials about obtaining permanent funding for robotics coaches.
To learn about the various departments of our team, hover over the dropdown menu at the top of your screen, and select the department for which you would like to explore.