The San Diego Science Alliance will provide opportunities for mentors and volunteers to work with teams and clubs throughout the county.  Cory Hoover is the local contact who is coordinating volunteers and mentors for San Diego County Robotics teams.  Please contact him at cory@mycchtech.com to discuss your interests.

You can make an impact on a teenager’s future and build the technology workforce by volunteering to be a Robotics mentor. Robotics programs provide technology education using robot building and programming to engage students in learning the practical applications of science, technology, engineering and math.

In Botball, middle and high school students design, build, program and document their own autonomous robots to compete in a fast-paced regional tournament. Teams receive a customized robot kit including microprocessors, sensors, motors, LEGO construction materials and software.

Your time as a mentor can have a profound influence on students and teachers in your area!

As a mentor you can make a difference in a student’s life:

• Build a student’s confidence in his or her own abilities to solve problems.
• Expand their knowledge in science, technology, engineering and math.
• Be a positive role model to middle and high school students of all backgrounds.
• Introduce students to careers in technical fields they may have never considered.
• Serve as a resource, sounding board, coach and cheerleader.
• Challenge students to learn new skills and concepts in an exciting environment.
• Help build the technology workforce in your area.
• And, have a great time!

Robotics mentors come from a variety of professions - engineering, science, technology, computer programming. While students design, build, program and document the robot themselves, your expertise as a resource and trouble shooter is important to a team’s success.

Mentors provide coaching in areas such as:

• Robot Design
• Robot Construction
• Mechanical Engineering
• Game Strategy
• Computer Programming (C Language)
• Research
• Website Design

In this seven-week program, the time commitment for mentors varies depending on the school. Many mentors schedule regular meeting times with their team. Typically, meetings are held once a week and other communication occurs via e-mail or phone. The number of hours you contribute depends on your schedule and the team’s skill level.

Download the Botball Mentor Brochure