http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/papers/2379
That is a link to our 2010 business plan (2012 to be posted soon).
We have an application process. The application and information is in the business plan.
The "interviews" are conducted by the lead teacher, a few mentors, and our team captains.
We learn -
1. If the student is interested enough to fill out the form and sign up for an interview time, show up, and show some interest in what we do.
2. What the student knows about the team, the program and what we do.
3. That the student and their parent(s) understand the time and financial committment (fees and sponsorship requirements) to be a part of the team.
All students apply and have an interview. Returning students must also hae a resume. For returning students, the interview is also like a "performance review" where we talk about what they have learned, what they would like to learn, ideas for change, etc.
It is
very rare that a student who goes through the interview process and wants to be on the team is not asked to be on the team.
We also have a 'pre-applications' open house so that perspective new members and their family can come to the lab, see the robots and the programs we do, talk to other students and mentors, and get a good feel for what "robotics" means.