[FRC Blog] What’s a FIRST Senior Mentor (FSM)? And why should you reach out to your F

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Posted on the FRC Blog, 11/12/15: http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprogr...-senior-mentor

What’s a FIRST Senior Mentor (FSM)? And why should you reach out to your FSM?

Blog Date: Thursday, November 12, 2015 - 15:53


Today's blog post was written by Ashley Liles, FIRST® Senior Mentor/AmeriCorps VISTA Programs Manager.

What’s an FSM? Another wonderful FIRST acronym, FSM stands for FIRST Senior Mentor.

FIRST Senior Mentor because these wonderful individuals are funded and directed by FIRST HQ to serve all four FIRST Programs. FIRST Senior Mentors work with Regional Directors and Program Partners to recruit, support, and expand FIRST in their local areas.

They are Senior because they are experienced; in this case, “Senior” has nothing to do with the age on their driver’s license or whether they qualify for AARP benefits. These FIRST Senior Mentors are seasoned experts with FIRST programs. Some FIRST Senior Mentors have technical skills and others nontechnical skills, but they have all supported multiple FIRST programs as Coaches, Mentors, Volunteers, Parents, Alumni, etc.

The last word in the FIRST Senior Mentor title is the most important: Mentor. FIRST Senior Mentors exist to provide support and mentorship to FIRST in the Field; this might mean a FIRST Senior Mentor helps start new teams and supports existing teams, recruits and supports Coaches/Mentors, recruits and trains volunteers for FIRST events, or helps connect teams to resources. The role of the FIRST Senior Mentor is to assist teams and students like you!

If you don’t know your FIRST Senior Mentor, you’re missing out! Learn more about the 51 individuals in the US and Canada currently serving as FIRST Senior Mentors. Reach out to your FIRST Senior Mentor, introduce yourself, your team, ask for help if you need it, or even offer your assistance to your FIRST Senior Mentor.

Don’t have a FIRST Senior Mentor in your state- don’t worry! Many FIRST Senior Mentors provide virtual guidance and support across state lines; reach out to SeniorMentors@usfirst.org for support, or if you have any questions about the FIRST Senior Mentor Program. Good luck this season!