Become a Mentor with Cupertino Robotics

Mentors are essential to the success of Cupertino Robotics and to the growth of our students. As a FIRST Robotics Competition team, we rely on dedicated adults who can share their time, expertise, and passion to help students learn engineering, teamwork, and professionalism.

Mentors help create a safe, positive environment where students can explore STEM, develop real-world skills, and grow into confident problem-solvers. Whether your background is technical, creative, or organizational, your contributions make a meaningful difference.

Areas Where Mentors Can Help

We welcome mentors with a wide range of skills. Typical areas of involvement include:

Technical Roles

  • Mechanical Engineering – Help students design and build mechanisms.

  • Electrical Engineering – Support wiring, power systems, and controls.

  • Programming & Controls – Guide students in robot software, sensors, and automation.

Non-Technical Roles

  • Business & Outreach – Assist with fundraising, sponsor communication, media, and community engagement.

  • Project Management – Help students learn planning, organization, and leadership skills.

Mentors are encouraged to rotate across groups, contributing where they are most needed or most interested.

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What It’s Like to Mentor

Mentoring a FIRST team is both challenging and rewarding. While you don’t need extensive experience in every area, enthusiasm, patience, and a willingness to learn alongside students are key. You will:

  • Work with students to solve real engineering challenges.

  • Encourage independent thinking and creative problem solving.

  • Help the team prepare for competitions and outreach events.

  • Be part of a vibrant community of students, parents, and volunteers.

FIRST provides training and resources to help mentors get started and be effective in their roles.

Who Can Mentor?

Mentors can be professionals, parents, alumni, or anyone with skills and interest in supporting STEM education. While some roles benefit from specific technical backgrounds, we welcome all levels of experience and will help you find a way to contribute that fits your strengths and schedule.

Why Mentors Matter

As part of the FIRST community, mentors:

  • Inspire and educate: Share your knowledge and experience to help students build, program, and test competition robots.

  • Guide and support: Teach students how to work safely, meet deadlines, and think like engineers and professionals.

  • Model leadership: Help create a culture of Gracious Professionalism® and inclusivity where all students feel welcome.

You don’t need to commit to every meeting or competition. We typically ask for a minimum of one session per week during our core January-April build season.

Contact form: Mentor Inquiries

Please use this form to reach out if you’re interested in learning more about becoming a mentor. Thank you for your consideration.