SUMO Robotics Coach / Mentor

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BRIEF SUMMARY:
During the Spring we offer a form of "Battle Bots" called SUMO Robotics! This is a customized Minnesota STEM Partnership league that crowns a City Champion (St. Paul & Minneapolis) as well as a reigning "State Champion".

This tournament started in 2021 as part of Dr. Michael G. Wulf's vision to offer robotics to students who may have passed opportunities in the past. This eliminates all age, grade and skill levels for students with zero or a lot of experience to learn about a potential career in Robotics while having fun! This was initially inspired by MNSTEM's work in Saint Paul Park and Recreation and Mayor Carter’s Tech for All initiative.

We are looking for:
Committed, consistent volunteers to help a robotics team prepare for the Spring SUMO Robotics competition. Your team will need you for approximately 1-2.5 hours each week during the Spring SUMO Robotics season (Apr - Jun).

Minneapolis Team's Training Dates:

Mondays - Maxfield Elementary School
Wednesdays - Franklin Middle School
Fridays - The JK Movement
Saturdays - MNSTEM St Paul HUB (The JK Movement)
- Additional practices may be added in the near future

The City & State Tournament will be the 1st Saturday in June (10:00am - 2:00pm). Location TBD (~ St Paul).

** ALL EXPERIENCE LEVELS ARE WELCOME **
As a SUMO Robotics Coach, you will provide guidance to your team as they build and code their robot.
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.

Volunteers will require minimal training however advanced training is available via Zoom as needed.

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 competition training equipment and supplies (i.e., laptop, LEGO NXT / Mindstorms EV3 robot kit, software, office & crafting supplies, team t-shirts, competition board / mat, etc.).

You must:
Enjoy working with students grades 4th - 12th.

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

Train your robotics team in a programming language.

Have the ability to support youth in their team building activities.

Provide your own transportation. Coaches and Mentors are not required to transport students.

Pass a Youth Screening and Background Check.

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