[normalmutant]

In NJ, the state has already given training opportunities for teams to teach teams at workshop days and outreach scrimmages. We've found that this works effectively - the older, more experienced teams teach the new teams in different classes (what we also do for things like labview that most teams don't use is have specialists from the companies come in.). Sort of an FTC boot camp. This was how our team got started 2 years ago.
However, our team has found that new teams need more help than just that, so our team invited rookies to come work with us during our meetings or correspond via email, and encouraged other experienced teams to do so as well.
So, in NJ, I think we're doing okay when it comes to mentoring. Plus, most of the teams I can think of right now are far from UMD.

What I think would be interesting is hearing lectures about how what we're learning is used in the scientific and engineering community. Some lectures about the technological tools used in the field would be very engaging, to sort of bridge the gap between FTC and colleges or careers, maybe. That would be worth driving down there to listen to.

Thank you so much for the offer. Our team will be looking forward to hearing further plans. Sounds great!