2021 - 2022 FTC Robotics Coach/Mentor

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We are looking for:
Committed, consistent volunteers to help a robotics team prepare for the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) tournament play. Your team of up to five students (8th - 12th grade) will need you for approximately 4 hours each week during the fall robotics season (Oct - Mar).

FTC Tournament Play Events:
Mentors will prepare team members to participate in FIRST competitions (League or Qualifiers). Events are typically half-days and require travelling to locations across the Twin Cities (transportation can be arranged). Coaches and Mentors are not required to transport students to events. Each event has requirements for each team’s robot including pre-match inspections, judging interviews, presentations, coaching, scoring and multi-team alliance formation.

As FTC Coach, you will:
Provide guidance to your team as they explore advanced engineering concepts, brainstorm innovative ideas, and develop a skill set that is in high demand in the workforce. Introduce this year’s FIRST annual theme and game in addition to the concept of Gracious Professionalism. Help your team set and maintain realistic goals while they design, build and program their robot throughout the robotics season. Support them as they work together to coordinate and embrace their roles and responsibilities.

Additionally, you will assist your team with writing code to control their robot using a variety of visual block-based programming tools including FTC Blocks Development hosted by the Robot Controller (Robot C). For more advanced teams, FTC OnBot Java Programming (block coding & curses programming mode with limited parameter modifications) and other tools are available for use. Assistant coaches will focus on professional development, teambuilding, engineering notebook and portfolio development, etc.

FTC Coaches may also have a variety of skills:
Optimally, each team would have 2-3 FTC "Coaches" or "Mentors" focusing on different areas of the overall robotics program objectives, but one lead coach/mentor is required. Our recent experience believes there are three main areas of technical familiarity surrounding Design & Innovation, Electrical & Software Engineering, as well as Leadership & Team Development disciplines. Duties are spread across the FTC coaching staff based on the number of coaches and the individual skill sets they possess.

** ALL EXPERIENCE LEVELS ARE WELCOME **

Technical Coach Job Description:

Game Challenge
Help your team become familiar with the REV Robotics kit, programming tool(s) along with this year’s FTC theme Freight Frenzy and playing field. Provide support to your team as they strategize and ideate design objectives in alignment with the competition theme. Provide programming training as needed and requested by your team.

Minnesota STEM Partnership (MSP) will:
Handle administrative tasks such as team communication and coordination including the recruitment, enrollment, and training space for your robotics team. MSP will take care of all fundraising efforts along with the competition registration and fees. We will provide FIRST Tech Challenge competition training equipment and supplies (i.e., laptop, REV Robotics [www.RevRobotics.com] build and control system, software, office & crafting supplies, hardware tools, team t-shirts, playing field, etc.). To enhance and expand their problem-solving skills, additional software and hardware opportunities with CAD, 3D printing, and mechanical advanced parts and supplies are made available to students.

There are two locations to choose from conveniently located in Minneapolis and St. Paul. You will also receive support from other volunteers, staff, and interns. We provide all the resources necessary for you to focus on helping your team learn the fundamentals of robotics, programming, engineering, and teamwork.

You must:
Enjoy working with middle and high school students (grades 8th - 12th).

Provide a positive experience in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).

Facilitate team practices with approximately 4 hours each week (after school hours and/or weekends).

Assist your robotics team in developing programming, design, and other critical engineering skills.

Have the ability to support youth in their teambuilding activities.

Provide your own transportation.

Pass a Youth Screening and Background Check.

** The key to having a great robotics season is to HAVE FUN! **