Missouri S&T begins to use crowdfunding

ROLLA, Mo. -- The Missouri University of Science and Technology has started a crowdfunding website, and its first project is to send students to a Mars rover design competition.

As of Saturday night, more than $10,000 had been donated. The ultimate goal is to raise $15,000 to send students and the rover they created to a competition in September in Krakow, Poland.

The school says donors who give through the crowdfunding site will receive perks in return for their gifts. Perks include 3-D printed scale replicas of the Mars rover, parts from a former rover and a day with the team.

Crowdfunding is becoming increasingly popular at universities. Missouri S&T plans to use the fundraising methods as a way to meet short-term goals. Most campaigns are expected to last about 30 days.

Online:

crowdfunding.mst.edu