Looking for volunteers to coach groups of K-12 students using a variety of robotics design, coding, and simulation software!

We are currently in urgent need of multiple Coaches & Assistants for Middle School teams on the LEGO Mindstorms EV3 platform. We also need of a couple of coaches for our High School teams that use the REV robotics platform. NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED (but helpful)! All Coaches have to do is train students! We handle all site, communication and coordination needs =)

We are currently a 100% virtual STEM Education series of programs that train not only virtual robotics but also coding in a variety of languages to supplement their future opportunities in robotics but as engineering/technology professionals learning (Scratch, Python, JavaScript, etc..). All of our programs map to a future of Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, & more.

Our non-profit is focused on increasing the ethnic and socio-economic diversity in the Twin Cities urban communities. We are on target to coordinate (host, sponsor, advise) 22 FIRST LEGO League (FLL), FLL Junior, and FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) robotics. Our teams come from students in grades K-12 within the Twin Cities 494/694 beltway. We are currently exploring expansion to other cities across Minnesota (e.g. Rochester & Duluth). We are currently no longer pursuing an FRC team in the 2020-2021 season due to COVID-19 however we hope to remain partnered with incredible students interested in supporting our FTC & FLL initiatives! There are also many other volunteers involved to help these students succeed and grow beyond curiosity to sustained engagement through high school.

ALL EXPERIENCE LEVELS WELCOME: We are looking for anyone interested in helping - regardless of experience level! If you prefer to be an assistant... no experience necessary! Prior experience coaching/teaching/building FIRST (FLL, FLL Jr., FTC & FRC) robots a plus!

We are in need of primary coaches that are energetic and willing to provide the necessary focus & coaching of students to achieve higher level of success as a team as well as provide a positive experience so they will choose to continue in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics (STEM/STEAM) related activities.

We meet based on a combination of volunteer & student schedules: The majority of the virtual teams meet during the weekday evening however our in-person teams (post Stay At Home order) teams are planning to meet during a weeknight, Saturday's 10am - 2pm, or Sunday afternoons (based on trainer/student schedules). FLL teams typically run September to December. Each team will have the necessary basic equipment (EV3, laptop, competition board & map) as well as some locations will have a computer lab. Food, refreshments, etc. will be provided based on needed.

As funding permits, college students will receive a scholarship or transportation stipend.

Team locations are all across the Twin Cities - currently teams all follow federal, state, municipal and local COVID-19 safe distancing guidelines. We are currently virtual with careful on-site hub locations that follow stringent infectious disease and disinfectant policies and procedures specially for high-tech equipment used by Minnesota STEM Partnership coaches and students. Are teams still have "geographic allegiances" to North Minneapolis, South Minneapolis, Brooklyn Center, Midway, Rondo, East St. Paul, and West St. Paul to name a few!