Dear MATE ROV Competition Community – students, mentors, and parents,
Thank you for your overwhelmingly positive response and support for our decision to cancel the 2020 MATE ROV Competition events. Again, we recognize that this was disappointing and emotionally difficult news. We do appreciate your understanding and kind words. It’s a disappointing and difficult time for us as well.
REFUNDS
We have been working with ACTIVE on the refund process. As you can imagine, we are not the only organization going through this; others have or are in the process of cancelling their spring and summer events.
We will issue refunds for all team registrations and fluid power quiz purchases. We will issue FULL refunds, including the ACTIVE and credit card processing fees.
Refunds will be issued via ACTIVE as quickly as possible, hopefully by the end of April. Please check your credit card statements. We will provide a further update if this schedule changes.
OPPORTUNITY
A number of you requested that we keep your registration fees as a donation to support the program and have encouraged us to present the community with the opportunity to do the same. We are especially touched by this generosity! One mentor presented it this way:
…there is a movement to not ask for refunds for Arts and Education events that were cancelled. These groups are going to have a serious struggle to recover financially over the next 6 months, and we should consider it a donation to make sure we still have access to these things we love.
While this is not required or expected, we are giving teams that wish to donate their registration fees the opportunity to do so. MATE II is a 501(c)3 nonprofit; donors will receive a letter acknowledging their contribution. To donate your registration (and/or fluid power quiz fee), please visit https://www.emailmeform.com/builder/form/43ef0oS4ng0PsyA.
Thank you for considering this option to help ensure we can provide this experience for our community in the future!
RECOGNITION FOR THIS YEAR’S EFFORTS
We are still working through ideas on how to recognize teams for their hard work. We will get back to you within the next 3-4 weeks with information.
We hope that you and your family, friends, and community are staying safe and healthy. Please take good care and be ready for an exciting and empowering 2021 competition year!
Thank you!
Jill Zande
MATE II President/Executive Director
MATE Center Associate Director