To answer your questions:
You fill out a survey, SolidWorks will send a DVD in the mail with a special code for you to install on your home computer.
Offer is good in US and Canada - sorry to other countries - we have export legal issues and collection of data online from students.
Mentors, if they are in college can apply. You must be a student
Each week, a new lesson in July and August will be posted online at
www.solidworks.com/robotics. These lessons are not there yet. Our first step is this large distribution to all robotics competitions. You will go through certain SolidWorks Tutorials - then a specific issue will be addressed in robotics and math.
Why SolidWorks software - too many people asked me in Atlanta how could they use SolidWorks and too many people were sad they missed the Chief Delphi raffle.
Why math - I used to teach math to engineering students - you have go to be good - even without a calculator. You need to do math every day.
Why design robots better - there is functionality in SolidWorks that will make your life easier. The questions that were asked at the Boston Regional, Manchester Regional, and in Atlanta would save time in robot design. Some tips you may know; others come from being an engineer for a laboratory robotics company (the best job for a mechanical engineer)
What if I use another CAD product? Doesn't matter. I have used at least 10 in my career - the more tools you know the better. You need to experience different user interfaces and different techniques.
Post any other questions and I will try to answer promptly.
Marie