University of Wisconsion - Eau Claire

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Proposal

Mentor for FIRST Robotics Competition team

30 hours

Community partner: Pablo Center at the Confluence
Supervisor: Mary LaVenture
Beginning date:
2025-02-04
Ending Date:
2025-04-11

Service-Learning Proposal Description

1.

Briefly describe the project and the community need to be addressed.

Answer Are you ready to inspire the next generation of innovators while gaining real-world experience in robotics, engineering, and teamwork? The Pablo Center’s FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) team, the Leviathans, is looking for motivated university students to join us as mentors! ***As a mentor, you’ll help our high school team design, build, and program a 125-pound robot in just 6–8 weeks, working alongside a dedicated group of students, mentors, and professionals. No prior FRC experience is required—just bring your skills, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn!

2.

What is the mission of the agency or organization?

Answer Pablo Center welcomes, connects, inspires, and transforms, motivated by the belief that through art, education, and entertainment we can build stronger communities and a more enlightened world. The mission of FIRST is to provide life-changing robotics programs that give young people the skills, confidence, and resilience to build a better world.

3.

What skills are required for this project? 

Answer Mentoring Roles: Choose from a wide variety of roles based on your expertise, including: CAD: Guide students through 3D modeling with Onshape for rapid robot prototyping. Programming: Teach Java to code autonomous and teleoperated robot systems. Mechanical Build: Help students design and assemble the robot’s physical structure. Electrical: Assist with wiring, integrating sensors, and ensuring safe functionality. Strategy/Scouting: Analyze game data and help develop winning competition strategies. Business/Outreach: Support fundraising, sponsorship, branding, and community events. Safety: Teach proper tool usage, shop safety, and risk management. Survey Data Collection: Track learning by developing pre and post season surveys, collecting student data, and analyzing findings.

4.

What are the objectives for the student learning and service?

Answer 1. Promote STEAM Education-Inspire and engage high school students in science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) through hands-on robotics challenges, business strategies, and communication skills. Help students understand the practical applications of STEAM concepts in real-world problem-solving. 2. Develop Leadership and Mentorship Skills- Provide students with opportunities to lead, teach, and mentor younger students. Foster interpersonal skills, communication, and teamwork through collaborative mentoring. 3. Enhance Technical Knowledge- Offer high school students technical expertise and guidance on robotics design, programming, and engineering processes. Deepen your knowledge by teaching and solving real-world technical problems. 4. Foster Community Engagement- Contribute to the development of future STEAM leaders. 5.Inspire Lifelong Learning and Passion for Robotics- Encourage high school students to pursue STEM-related careers or further education. Foster a love for robotics and innovation that extends beyond the competition season. 6. Build Lasting Relationships and Networks-Establish long-term connections between college mentors, FRC teams, and the broader robotics community.

5.

What are the availability requirements for the student?

Answer There are four (4) spots available for spring 2025. Team meetings: Tuesdays & Thursdays: 6–8 PM and Saturdays: 9 AM–5 PM*** Expectation is that mentors would attend at least one meeting per week.

6.

Additional information (not required).

Answer Why Join Us? Gain hands-on experience in engineering, coding, or project management. Work alongside professionals and students in an exciting, fast-paced environment. Build your resume while inspiring the next generation of STEAM leaders. Interested in this opportunity? Please contact Mary LaVenture, STEAM Programs Manager to discuss positions available. mary@pablocenter.org For more information about FIRST https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/frc
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