FIRST Senior Mentor Program

Demand for FIRST has increased so rapidly and organically that it continues to face a growing challenge to sustain the infrastructure needed to support this growth. Founded in 2005, the FIRST Senior Mentor program prides itself in its cross-program, grass-roots approach. Through outreach events, expositions and demonstrations they are able to attract new volunteers, mentors and coaches to sustain and support both rookie and veteran teams. 

The FIRST Senior Mentor program is a critical addition to an organization that needs people on the ground, working in a hands-on environment, filling in the gaps of support to whomever and whatever is needed. FIRST Senior Mentors, or FSMs, are both technical and non-technical individuals and bring with them a vast array of background and experience.

FIRST Senior Mentors are generally recruited locally at the recommendation of their Regional Directors because of their previous relationships with FIRST Programs and their general understanding of the culture of the organization. Most, if not all FSMs have had existing relations with FIRST as Team Mentors, Coaches or event volunteers. They work in a part-time capacity, (10-15 hours per week), in constant communication and collaboration with each Program Lead; their area Regional Director, Regional/Planning/Operational Committees, Program Partners, and VISTA Volunteers (if applicable).

Senior Mentors strengthen and expand FIRST’s partnerships with businesses, educational institutions, and communities. In doing so, the Senior Mentor program has moved us closer to achieving the goal of FIRST-to change society by providing youth with experiences that give them not just the skills, but also the desire to solve problems through scientific and technological innovation.

Read more about becoming a FIRST Senior Mentor.

Read the FIRST Senior Mentor bios.

Read about our FSM Training Calls for rookie teams, mentors and coaches, cross-program.