Here is a thought:
FIRST experienced mentors can train prospective mentors (graduated FRC team members), parents (both current students and graduated students). Some of the parents help teams when their kids are in the team. After kids graduate some of them stay with the team and some not. If we can retain some, if not all parents and train them (if necessary) FIRST can build a pool of mentors. Training can include past experience, post-season analysis, what worked and what not, how the system can be improved and what not. Also these mentors can join teams that have no mentor or barely any mentor. Being loyal to a team is great, but if new mentors can branch out to chart their own destiny and take deserving teams to new heights would be great, great for themselves, for the team and FIRST.
By the way, Team 4384 from Troy MI is still looking for mentors with mechanical background or experience in FRC. Visit our website
www.team4384.org for contact.