Mentor/Parent Volunteer

As students, there’s only so much we can do by ourselves. That’s where mentors and parent volunteers come in!

As of now, we’re currently looking for female mentors. We want to champion the Girl Scouts belief that women should empower women. When a student joins Gadget Girls 4816, it should be with the assurance that they have every right to step through the door of FIRST® Robotics and therefore STEAM. Female mentors are proof that a girl’s dream of being the next innovator can be her reality. These are the women who have shown again and again that they have a place in STEAM. These are the women whose steps can be followed.

Mentors are a key component to enhancing students’ understanding of the sub-teams that make up a successful FIRST® Robotics team. While mentors typically specialize in one sub-team, it isn’t uncommon nor unwelcome for them to lend their aid elsewhere. Mentors should be subject-matter experts in the following:

• The robot (mechanical, electrical, and/or programming)

• Team promotion (outreach events, fundraising, and/or graphic design)

We also count on parent volunteers who support the team as a whole, allowing both students and mentors to do their best work. Parent volunteers help us with several responsibilities outside of the robot. Some examples include picking up robot parts during FIRST® kickoff or providing assistance during the Girl Scouts cookie season. They also help organize meal plans for every meeting, lodging, and methods of transportation — all which become even more important tasks during times of competition.

Whether you become a mentor or a parent volunteer, there must always be mutual recognition that adults are there to strictly assist the students and not to lead them. Adults must establish trust, respect, and communication with the students in order for Gadget Girls 4816 to thrive.

If you'd like to visit the team and possibly join us as a mentor or a parent volunteer, please send an email to gadgetgirlscoach@gmail.com for further discussion! We’ll respond as soon as possible to arrange a meeting. In the meantime, check out the FAQ page to get an idea of what to expect from this team.