• "We are not using kids to build robots. We are using robots to build kids."

  • "We are not using kids to build robots. We are using robots to build kids."

  • "We are not using kids to build robots. We are using robots to build kids."

Become a Mentor

What do mentors do?

All mentors in the Broomfield Robotics Club are volunteers. As a team, they seek to inspire and empower students to be innovators. Together they work side by side with students to teach STEM concepts, develop leadership and problem-solving skills, and build each student’s sense of belonging and self-confidence.

This includes:

  • Modeling Gracious Professionalism at all times, and encouraging students to do the same

  • Fostering a safe, inclusive culture where everyone can be authentic, contribute to the team, make mistakes, take (reasonable) risks, learn, and grow

  • Guiding students through the Engineering Design Process as they design, build, code, test, and iterate

  • Collaborating with students and other mentors to address challenges and opportunities as they arise

  • Observing the strengths and interests of each student and then determining next steps to help each student learn, grow, and develop new skills

  • Ensuring students are safely and properly using tools and equipment

  • Accompanying students on field trips, outreach events, and to competitions whenever work schedules allow

  • Teaching students time and program management, technical documentation, and presentation skills

  • Assisting students in applicable research and data collection, directing them towards helpful resources and tools as needed

  • Providing intentional opportunities for students to develop teamwork and leadership skills

  • Reinforcing the FIRST Core Values of Innovation, Discovery, Inclusiveness, Teamwork, Impact and Fun

Help Wanted*!

  • Assistant Mentors for Early Engineers starting August 2025

  • FIRST Lego League Challenge and Explore Mentors for teams returning in July or August 2025

  • FIRST Tech Challenge mentors with experience in mechanical design of robots, or embedded systems and Java experience

  • FIRST Tech Challenge Mentors-in-training to lead FTC Team #3 (launching in June 2026)

*Broomfield STEM is a volunteer run organization, and no compensation is provided for mentor roles.

What is the time commitment for mentors?

We believe that consistency is an important part of building mentor-team relationships, so we expect our mentors to attend regularly and participate fully. Our goal is for our teams of mentors to work closely together to make sure that there is plenty of mentor support at each meeting, while being flexible in attendance so that everyone can travel and care for themselves and their families as needed.

FIRST Tech Challenge Mentor Time Commitment:

  • Team meeting one night/week - 5:30 - 8:30 pm June - April

  • Robot Work Days one Saturday/month 10:00 am - 4:00 pm September - February (Additional work days may be added as needed)

  • Scrimmages & Competitions (1 Saturday in November, 1 Saturday in December, 4 Saturday tournaments in January and February)

  • Team Outreach events and Field Trips (2-3/ month June - August, 1/month September - May: Mentors attend when they are able)

  • FTC Mentor meetings (3 hours each, usually one in June, September, January and March)

  • Broomfield STEM All Mentor gatherings/trainings (3 hours each, usually one in July, October, January and March)

  • Broomfield STEM Annual Expo and End of Year Celebration the last Sunday in April or first Sunday in May

  • Contact FTC Program Director, Ian Rumsey, for more information.

FIRST Lego League Challenge Mentor Time Commitment:

  • Weekly team meeting every Monday and/or Friday (Mentors can commit to one or both) 5:30 - 8:30 pm July - December (plus time at the end to debrief/plan next meeting)

  • Monthly team meeting the 2nd & 4th Monday and/or Friday of the month 5:30 - 8:30 pm January - April

  • 2 hour Work Sessions every Sunday 12:30 - 3:30 (Monday teams) or 3:30 - 6:30 pm, August through November only

  • Competitions - 1 Scrimmage in October, 1 Saturday Tournament in November, and 1 Saturday Tournament in December (only if team qualifies for State tournament)

  • FLL-C Mentor meetings (3 hours each, usually one in June, October, January and April)

  • Broomfield STEM All Mentor gatherings/trainings (3 hours each, usually one in July, October, January and March)

  • Broomfield STEM Annual Expo and End of Year Celebration the last Sunday in April or first Sunday in May

  • Contact FLL Challenge Program Director, Becca Pietrovich, for more information.

FIRST Lego League Explore Mentor Time Commitment:

  • Team meetings every second & fourth Fridays 5:30 - 8:00 pm August - April (includes time at the end to debrief/plan next meeting)

  • Mentor Season Planning Sessions as needed (no more than 1/quarter, day and time TBD)

  • One festival/year - likely a Saturday morning in April

  • Broomfield STEM All Mentor gatherings/trainings (3 hours each, usually one in July, October, January and March)

  • Broomfield STEM Annual Expo and End of Year Celebration the last Sunday in April or first Sunday in May

  • Contact FLL Explore and Early Childhood Program Director, Megan Heier, for more information.

Early Engineers Mentor Time Commitment:

  • Club meeting once/month August - April on the fourth Friday of the month 5:30 - 8:00 pm (includes time at the end to debrief/plan next meeting)

  • Mentor Season Planning Sessions as needed (no more than 1/semester, day and time TBD)

  • Broomfield STEM All Mentor gatherings/trainings (3 hours each, usually one in July, October, January and March)

  • Broomfield STEM Annual Expo and End of Year Celebration the last Sunday in April or first Sunday in May

  • Contact FLL Explore and Early Childhood Program Director, Megan Heier, for more information.

What are the requirements to be a mentor?

We believe that good mentors can come from a variety of backgrounds and professions. The skills listed below are helpful for our mentors to have, but are not meant to exclude anyone who loves kids, has a desire to mentor, and is willing to learn!

Early Engineer Mentors

  • Understanding of coding basics, and elementary science and math principles

  • Familiarity with, and an appreciation for, children ages 5-7 and their different developmental stages

FIRST Lego League Explore Mentors

  • Familiarity with block coding, or a few hours to learn

  • Proficiency with Google Suite/Microsoft Office, Slack, Email, Search Engines

  • Experience with simple sensors (color, distance, touch, gyro)

  • Experience with simple mechanisms such as levers, pulleys, gears, motors, etc.

  • Appreciation for children ages 7-10 and their different developmental stages

FIRST Lego League Challenge Mentors

  • Basic coding ability (Students learn Scratch and eventually Python)

  • Proficiency with Google Suite/Microsoft Office, Slack, Email, Search Engines

  • Experience with simple sensors (color, distance, touch, gyro)

  • Experience with simple mechanisms such as levers, pulleys, gears, motors, etc.

  • Appreciation for children ages 9-13 and their different developmental stages

FIRST Tech Challenge Mentors

-Software-

  • Intermediate experience with Java and object oriented programming, with a basic understanding of embedded systems a plus. (Students program using Android Studio)

  • Proficiency with Git, Google Suite/Microsoft Office, Slack, Email, Search Engines

  • Basic experience with controlling hardware using software, including sensors, servos, and motors (hardware drivers are all abstracted in the SDK, so no low level hardware programing needed)

  • Ability to debug, troubleshoot, and plan a medium complexity software project.

  • Appreciation for teens ages 12-18 and their different developmental stages

-Hardware-

  • Knowledge of simple mechanisms such as levers, pulleys, gears, linkages, motors, servos etc.

  • Proficiency with CAD design (Students use OnShape), Google Suite/Microsoft Office, Slack, Email, Search Engines

  • Basic experience with hand and power tools (screwdrivers, wrenches, handsaw, drills, drill press, band saw)

  • Ability to guide students through brainstorming, prototyping, and iteration of their designs

  • Appreciation for teens ages 12-18 and their different developmental stages

-Non-technical-

  • Proficiency with Google Suite, including Gmail, Docs, Sheets, and Slides, Slack, Canva

  • Experience with preparing and delivering presentations

  • Ability to teach and edit technical writing, summaries

  • Strong organizational skills

  • Appreciation for teens ages 12-18 and their different developmental stages

We take the safety of our students seriously, so all mentors and adult volunteers must:

  • Be at least 18 years old (Student Mentors between the ages of 13 and 17 may be appointed at the discretion of the Program Director)

  • Complete the Broomfield STEM Adult Volunteer application process, including a reference check and a background check conducted through Sterling Volunteers

  • Attend all Mentor Training Sessions (Topics may include safety protocols, addressing special social, emotional and learning needs of students, technical training, and more)

  • Complete the FIRST online Youth Protection Program training and provide proof of completion

  • Agree to abide by the FIRST Code of Conduct and the FIRST Safety requirements as described in the FIRST Youth Protection Program Guide

  • Agree to abide by the Broomfield STEM Mentor Code of Conduct and agree the Broomfield STEM Adult Participation Agreement

  • Sign the FIRST Consent and Release Agreement