[Liz Smith]

The benefit of this program isn't just to have students learn about engineering. It's about the teaching of engineering and design through mentorship. From what I see, your problem is not that your design ideas aren't being heard, and the mentors are doing what they want. I think the problem within your team is more of a lack of communication. Work with your mentors.

There should be reasons you have for designing parts a certain way. (ex: Arm has to be x inches long in order to fit in the starting box) If you're there with the mentors while parts are being made, then you can share your ideas and concerns and designs and they can also give insight and advice. I think the issue may be that all the students are doing work in "one room" and the mentors are doing work in "another room".