[Al Skierkiewicz]

Wildstang has a rich and varied mentor group. Our program is a class and as such students must register for the class and recieve a grade. Mentors working with teachers will lead classes in the fall session to instruct the students on various topics including introductory electrical design and tool use, mechanical advantage with physics analysis, software concepts and design, and all students must complete a safety course and exam to be able to use any tools. Our team has found that working side by side, students and mentors, produces the best match and the greatest impact on students. After kickoff, we meet in small and large groups to strategize and brainstorm with everyone having an equal voice including parents. Although mentors choose team leaders, the leads have the responsibility to keep their group on task and make a verbal report at the general team meeeting each week. All sub team members work closely with their mentor(s) throughout the season with the intent of learning more about robot function and maintenance as well as modification. Those teams not involved in direct contact with the robot will still work closely with the mentors of other subteams, i.e. strategy, scouting, team spirit and promotions.