• "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 STEM 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.

Begin the Mentor Application Process!

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. Please check out the tables below for program specific information to find the program that’s right for you. If you cannot commit to being present for at least 75% of the team meetings and activities, please choose a program with a smaller time commitment to help us ensure that our programs have enough adults present at each meeting.

Additional Onboarding and Planning Meetings for all Mentors:

  • New Mentor Onboarding (3 hours in June)

  • Program Mentor Team Planning Meetings (2 hours each, usually one in May, August, and December)

  • Broomfield STEM All Mentor social gatherings (Usually one in July/August and December/January)

  • Broomfield STEM All Mentor Trainings (2 hours each, usually in October and March)

  • Broomfield STEM Annual Expo and End of Year Celebration in early May (Robotics Teams Only)

Email Us with Questions

What skills do I need to be a mentor?

We believe that good mentors can come from a variety of backgrounds and professions, not just engineering. 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! Broomfield STEM provides a schedule and curriculum for you to follow, and is happy to support you with coaching and resources if you want to create some lessons of your own. Mentoring is a team effort at Broomfield STEM!

Early Engineer Mentors for K-1, 2-3 and 4-5

  • A love of learning through play

  • Understanding of basic elementary science and math principles

  • Familiarity with, and an appreciation for, children ages 5-11 and their different developmental stages

Build It! Club Mentors for K-2, 3-5 and 6-8

  • A love of learning through play

  • An understanding of the engineering process and the ability to guide kids through that process while they build

  • Familiarity with, and an appreciation for, children in the age group you choose and their different developmental stages

Code It! Club Mentors for 3-5 and 6-8

  • Proficiency with Scratch (grades 3-5) or Python or similar language (grades 6-8)

  • The ability to teach fundamental coding principles and practices

  • Familiarity with, and an appreciation for, children ages 8-11 and 11-14 and their different developmental stages

Discover Bots

  • A love of learning through play

  • Understanding of basic screenless coding principles, or an hour to learn

  • 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

-Technical_

  • Basic coding ability (Students learn Lego’s version of Block Coding) and familiarity with GitHub

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

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

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

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

-Non Technical-

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

  • Ability to guide students through research, project development, documentation, and presentation preparation and delivery

  • Plan and accompany students on 1-2 field trips each year

  • Appreciation for children ages 9-13 and the ability to help keep students on task

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 to mentor FLL teams at the discretion of the Program Director)

  • Complete the Broomfield STEM 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