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Become a mentor
Robotics mentors working directly with the students is an integral part of the FIRST robotics program. This is an aspect of FIRST robotics that sets it apart from other high school programs. Team 971 has found that students learn an enormous amount from working alongside mentors. 971 has mentors who help with mechanical design, fabrication, electrical, software, leadership, and other technical and non-technical areas. Mentors have fun working with students and also with other mentors. It is extremely rewarding to see how much students mature and grow from when they join the team as freshmen to when they graduate. Many of our students return to the team as mentors on their breaks from college and after they graduate.
types of mentors
Mechanical
A mechanical mentor helps the team to construct and design the robot. Mentors are expected to help and guide the students to understand new tools or new concepts.
Entrepreneurship
The entrepreneurship mentor is responsible for helping and guiding outreach and entrepreneurship activities. This includes sponsors, awards, and local events.
Electrical
Electrical mentors help and guide the students how to wire the robot or help build and design custom PCBS.
Software
The software mentor is in charge of helping to design and implementing the software for the robot.
How to become a mentor
We are looking for mentors that can attend around 10-14+ hours a week during the build season (January - April) and 6-10+ during the off season. We meet mostly during the weekend and on Wednesday and Friday evening. Aspiring mentors will first have an intake with the lead mentors. Part of the process is also a mandatory screening by the school district. If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please fill out the contact form and/or come to one of our meetings.
There are also multiple volunteering opportunities with the team, please look here.