How should leaders be selected?

[Sam_Mills]

On 11, we have a very extensive application process. There are questions and essays that have to be answered, as well as interviews with mentors. Information like build and volunteer hours is considered. For mechanical positions, students submit design concepts and how they would execute them. I am summarizing this really tightly, but the application I submitted last year to become captain was close to 20,000 words long.

Both mentors, and graduating captains have input, but the final decision comes down to mentors. We really like the process, it works well for us, and ensures that the students who are willing to take initiative get the positions they belong in.