Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the team?
Winnovation is open to high school students enrolled in Winnebago or Pecatonica High School, typically grades 9–12. We welcome new members from the summer through the fall and early pre-season (June – December) so students have time to learn safety, explore sub teams, and get comfortable before build season begins.
There are no tryouts and no prior STEM or robotics experience required. Students can join by filling out an interest form provided at a recruitment event or by contacting us directly, and we’ll follow up with next steps.
Students from Byron and Freeport High Schools have limited eligibility due to intergovernmental agreements, but we’re happy to discuss options on a case-by-case basis.
Where does the team meet?
Winnovation meets at The Bot Shop, located at 110 N. Pecatonica St., Winnebago, IL 61088, just a few blocks from Winnebago High School and right off the Prairie Path. Students typically drive or carpool to meetings, and many Winnebago students walk when the weather is nice.
The Bot Shop features dedicated office and collaboration space, a full machining, assembly, and fabrication area, a kitchen and washrooms, and even a full playing field for testing and driver practice. There’s plenty of parking available, and the space is designed to support everything the team needs throughout the season.
How can parents get involved?
Parents are always welcome at The Bot Shop, whether to get involved, observe, or simply see what their students are working on. There are many ways to support the team, including helping with team meals, shop supervision, offering technical guidance, tackling transportation and travel logistics, organizing basket raffles, managing team swag orders, and other event needs throughout the year.
Parents who want a deeper role are also encouraged to consider becoming mentors, offering either technical skills or general support. We take Youth Protection Program (YPP) guidelines seriously and ensure all adult involvement follows FIRST® policies to maintain a safe environment for every student.
Whether you can help occasionally or want to be a regular presence, family participation makes a meaningful difference and we’re grateful for it.
Is there a cost to join the team?
No. Winnovation does not charge team dues, and no family has ever had to write a check to participate. Students enrolled in Winnebago or Pecatonica High School may have standard extracurricular fees set by their school district, but those are paid directly to the school and do not go to Winnovation.
To help sustain a program with an annual operating budget of around $65,000, we do ask each student to contribute at least $250 through fundraising. This is easy to achieve by taking part in sponsor presentations, community events, and other team-led activities (see the Winnovation Handbook for details).
We also ask each family to provide two team meals during build season to help keep students fed and supported during long work sessions. A meal can be anything from trays of burgers or Crock-Pots of pasta to simply contributing funds toward a pizza order.
Beyond that, Winnovation is designed to stay accessible to every student, regardless of financial situation. If your family is experiencing financial hardship, please contact us—we’re always willing to work out a solution so no student misses the opportunity to participate.
What is the time commitment like?
Winnovation operates year-round, but the level of activity changes throughout the season. We believe students get out what they put in, and we offer multiple ways to stay engaged, both in person and through flexible, asynchronous remote work.
Offseason (May–December):
Light and flexible. Students typically meet 1–2 times per week for skill-building, outreach events, robot demos, and preseason projects. This is the best time for new members to ease in and explore sub teams.
Build Season (January–April):
This is our busiest period. The shop is often open most weekdays and many Saturdays, depending on project needs. Students help design, prototype, fabricate, wire, program, test, and practice with the robot. We understand students have other commitments like sports, work, and family. We work with them to find a balance.
We also offer remote and asynchronous work including CAD, programming tasks, writing, design work, competition scouting preparation, and business operations projects. Students who want to contribute but can’t be in the shop every day still have meaningful ways to participate.
No matter a student’s schedule, strong communication and consistent effort are what matter most. Our goal is to create an environment where students can challenge themselves, grow, and stay involved at a level that works for them while still contributing to the team.
How do I become a mentor?
If you’re interested in mentoring, the first step is simply to contact us—we’re always happy to talk with prospective mentors. New volunteers typically start by spending some time with the team as a Junior Mentor, which serves as a probationary period to get familiar with the students, the shop, and the flow of the season.
After that, mentors apply through the Winnovation Board of Directors, who review and approve new additions to the mentor team. All mentors must follow FIRST® Youth Protection Program (YPP) guidelines and complete the required background checks and screenings.
Whether you bring technical skills, business experience, or just a passion for supporting students, we welcome adults who want to help shape the next generation of leaders.