FINDING MENTORS

While the Midnight Mechanics strongly advocate for student-run teams, we realize that the students cannot do everything alone. We need adult mentors to guide us and to help us realize our goals and make them possible. But how do we find mentors?

Start in your community
Who do you know that might be interested in robotics, engineering, public relations, financial development, and community outreach? Once you have identified those individuals, invite them to one of your team’s meetings – introduce them, get them involved, and let them talk to students one-on-one. We’re sure they’ll get hooked!

Teachers
Start by attacking other math and science teachers are your school. Usually, these teachers are the ones who are the most excited about becoming involved with FIRST – it’s a great thing for them to put in their portfolios and resumes. Then, look for the other crazy and eccentric teachers who just simply love being students. Even English and art teachers are great because writing and creativity are such a crucial part of being a successful FIRST team.

Parents
Parents are great resources for teams! In fact, they’re one of the most precious because their kids are involved. As a team, it is strongly recommended that students get their parents involved in constructing the robot, reaching out to their businesses for financial support, and helping the team in terms of carpooling, supervision, etc. A successful team has strong parent support. The Midnight Mechanics also recommend that teams reach out to their school’s Parent, Teacher Association (PTA) for support.

Sponsors
One of the best places to look for mentors is within the companies or organizations which sponsors your team. More often than not, large companies (like Qualcomm or Dynergy) require their employees to be active members of their community, to be volunteers. Therefore, what better way for these individuals, who are already robot lovers, to volunteer than on a robotics team?! Even if they are not robot lovers, we’re sure there are some who are great with making websites, contacting the media, fundraising, working with nonprofit organizations, etc who can help the team in other facets of FIRST.

Universities
Mentorship from universities students, engineers, professors, and employees are, without reservation, amazing! Make contact with your local universities and contact the professors of engineering, the engineering department, and student organizations. There is bound to be individuals, both students, and adults, who will be interested in assisting FIRST teams – in fact, chances are there will be FIRST alumni who will be excited to mentor! Any help should be appreciated, so don’t forget to look into other departments, such as the development or media department.

Community Organizations
Contact local rotary clubs, workforce partnerships, Lions Clubs, Kiwanis, neighborhood organizations for support and mentorship – usually, these organizations graciously support efforts like FIRST. Also reach out to nonprofit organizations to access community outreach opportunities.

NEMO
NEMO (Non-Engineering Mentor Organization), found in 2004, serves to support FIRST teams. NEMO is an organization of mentors, teachers, college students who are involved in the non-engineering aspects of FIRST. They are the “glue that holds the teams together.” Their field of expertise include mentor recruitment, retention, travel, parent involvement, fundraising, business plan, public relations, community service, and dealing with FIRST logistics.

"Through FIRST, I have been able to build friendships that I am sure will last my entire life."
KATRINA WONG, Midnight Mechanic

Katrina Wong (right) entered the magical world of the Midnight Mechanics as a freshmen in high school. She began her FIRST career as a member of the Community Partnerships department, organizing and facilitating community events. At the Los Angeles Regional, her first regional, she was excited to meet students, like Monica Fernandez (left), who were just as crazy about FIRST as she was. Today, although Monica is off at Purdue University, she still maintains contact with her fellow Midnight Mechanic.

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