Award Recognition for Non-STEM Mentors in FRC

[karomata]

We are currently petitioning to help bring more recognition to non-engineering mentors within the FIRST community. In addition to the community’s skilled pool of engineering mentors, many teams have mentors who help with organization, financial management, community outreach, presentation, and the many other aspects that make a well rounded FIRST team. These mentors work behind the scenes to lead their teams, but currently have no opportunity for award recognition in the FIRST Robotics Competition. Join us in the campaign for NEMO recognition!

To sign the petition, follow the link below:
Award Recognition for Non-STEM Mentors in FRC

[notmattlythgoe]

Originally Posted by karomata

We are currently petitioning to help bring more recognition to non-engineering mentors within the FIRST community. In addition to the community’s skilled pool of engineering mentors, many teams have mentors who help with organization, financial management, community outreach, presentation, and the many other aspects that make a well rounded FIRST team. These mentors work behind the scenes to lead their teams, but currently have no opportunity for award recognition in the FIRST Robotics Competition. Join us in the campaign for NEMO recognition!

To sign the petition, follow the link below:
Award Recognition for Non-STEM Mentors in FRC

While this is admirable I don't really see how these mentors aren't currently recognized.

Chairman's Award
Engineering Inspiration
Entrepreneurship Award
Team Spirit Award
Imagery Award

[FrankJ]

First recognizing our team would not be where it is today without our non-stem mentors. But, it not like First spends a lot of time recognizing any team level mentor with awards. The only team level mentor award I am aware of is the Woodie Flowers Award.

I almost forgot. All registered mentors get a nifty pin and certificate suitable for framing.

[Jon K.]

Originally Posted by notmattlythgoe

While this is admirable I don't really see how these mentors aren't currently recognized.

Chairman's Award
Engineering Inspiration
Entrepreneurship Award
Team Spirit Award
Imagery Award

Because those are team awards, and are often student driven, with mentor help.

The WFA recognizes and singles out the engineering mentor for their contributions. I have previously thought of pushing FIRST toward creating an award just like this, especially since my mom, Kathie K., is one of the co-founders of NEMO. I already have a letter written that I will likely send to FIRST in support of this petition.

[Jon Stratis]

This raises a question I haven't thought of before... Have teams gotten a WFFA for non-technical mentors?

I know the WFFA is strongly biased towards technical mentors (just read the description or judging criteria in the rulebook), but it seems to me that a well written essay for a deserving non technical mentor could win as well. I had the chance to read the nomination my students submitted for me this year, and I know the focus of the submission was communication, leadership, and impact - technical aspects were really a sideshow. I also know the 2015 WFA winner quite well, and his impact on FIRST here in Minnesota has not been technical at all - communication, leadership, organization, sustained growth, mentoring support, all amazing aspects he brings to the table. But from my experience he doesn't really get into the technical stuff.

[notmattlythgoe]

Originally Posted by Jon Stratis

This raises a question I haven't thought of before... Have teams gotten a WFFA for non-technical mentors?

I know the WFFA is strongly biased towards technical mentors (just read the description or judging criteria in the rulebook), but it seems to me that a well written essay for a deserving non technical mentor could win as well. I had the chance to read the nomination my students submitted for me this year, and I know the focus of the submission was communication, leadership, and impact - technical aspects were really a sideshow. I also know the 2015 WFA winner quite well, and his impact on FIRST here in Minnesota has not been technical at all - communication, leadership, organization, sustained growth, mentoring support, all amazing aspects he brings to the table. But from my experience he doesn't really get into the technical stuff.

Thinking of all of the WFFA's I've seen in our area I don't remember a single one of them having engineering contributions as reasoning for winning.

[Sperkowsky]

Our mentor won WFFA this year. He did not have anything to do with the engineering of the robot.

I think instead of recognizing more mentors we should recognize more students. And maybe do it a little better then a slip of paper.

[scottgoering]

Originally Posted by Sperkowsky

Our mentor won WFFA this year. He did not have anything to do with the engineering of the robot.

I think instead of recognizing more mentors we should recognize more students. And maybe do it a little better then a slip of paper.

I'm curious - as a Dean's List Finalist - what kind of recognition would you like for students?

[Ben Martin]

Originally Posted by notmattlythgoe

Thinking of all of the WFFA's I've seen in our area I don't remember a single one of them having engineering contributions as reasoning for winning.

Here either. Usually it's starting teams/sustaining teams/tremendous levels of volunteering.

Originally Posted by Sperkowsky

I think instead of recognizing more mentors we should recognize more students. And maybe do it a little better then a slip of paper.

I would like to see an award specifically designated for student technical contributions to the team. Not every award should be about leadership.

[Sperkowsky]

Originally Posted by scottgoering

I'm curious - as a Dean's List Finalist - what kind of recognition would you like for students?

Well to start DLF needs to be slightly revised to make more students aim towards it as a goal.

Currently at the competition you get only a certificate. (I know in Canada they get a sweatshirt but that is besides the point) This is compared to WFFA where you get a beautiful trophy and blue banner.

They should atleast give DLF a nice trophy or two. Maybe a plaque for the team and a trophy for the student similar to other awards. The certificate while nice is nothing for your school to display and makes it seem like a very sub-par award. (My original certificate did not even have my named spelt right).

Another thing which is kinda odd is the gift bags which after the title is the coolest part of the award. The weird thing about them is they do not tell anyone about them. In fact I am sure there are tons of people here who did not realize FIRST gives out bags full of stuff to DLF. (Usually valued at around $250 this year they went a lot cheaper and id probably say it was $125ish). These bags should be given out at the regional/dcmp to once again show that the award is a bigger deal.

They also announce it towards the end after the obligatory after this point these awards qualify you for championships which is really deceiving. Yes you can go to CMP and most do. But, it makes it seem as if your team also gets to go.

Lastly they should make Dean's List become about Engineering achievements and then create another award similar to what Deans list is now. Dean Kamen is known for his engineering not necessarily his leadership skills so it makes sense to have his name on the engineering one and someone elses name on the leadership one.

Just my 2¢

[CVR]

John Larock of 365 is the 2011 Championship WFA winner for his primarily non-STEM mentor role.

https://themobius.wordpress.com/cham...s/john-larock/


Check out the other winners on that site, hardly any of their technical expertise is mentioned. The award descriptions focus mostly on their organizational and inspirational achievements rather than robot or technical achievements.

[Jon Stratis]

Originally Posted by Sperkowsky

Lastly they should make Dean's List become about Engineering achievements and then create another award similar to what Deans list is now. Dean Kamen is known for his engineering not necessarily his leadership skills so it makes sense to have his name on the engineering one and someone elses name on the leadership one.

Part of Dean's List is engineering achievements, it's just not the whole thing. It's not even all that much. Sure, Dean is well known for his technical ability and his inventions... But that's not how we know him. We know his as the founder of FIRST. We know him as an insanely passionate person. We know his as an inspiration. And that's what Dean's List celebrates. With the Dean's List, FIRST is looking for someone passionate, someone fully invested in FIRST. Someone that is going to give back to the program for years to come. If that doesn't describe Dean, I don't know what does.

[Steven Donow]

Originally Posted by Sperkowsky

Well to start DLF needs to be slightly revised to make more students aim towards it as a goal.

This would imply doing things for the sole purpose of DL; you shouldn't change the way you act in FIRST for the sole purpose of DL

Another thing which is kinda odd is the gift bags which after the title is the coolest part of the award. The weird thing about them is they do not tell anyone about them. In fact I am sure there are tons of people here who did not realize FIRST gives out bags full of stuff to DLF. (Usually valued at around $250 this year they went a lot cheaper and id probably say it was $125ish). These bags should be given out at the regional/dcmp to once again show that the award is a bigger deal.

Again, the swagbag shouldn't be the drive for the award; it's meant to just be some cool stuff for the winners, donated (and I'm unaware what it included this year, but if it included the usual Beats headphones, those are at least 300$ right there; 2012 it also included a 100$ visa gift card and a 150$JCP gift card)

I'd also like to add that I've kept the flashlight from the award in my backpack for the last 4 years and it's far and beyond one of the best small flashlights I've ever owned

They also announce it towards the end after the obligatory after this point these awards qualify you for championships which is really deceiving. Yes you can go to CMP and most do. But, it makes it seem as if your team also gets to go.

I've never gotten this impression in an awards ceremony/in my experience it's usually announced BEFORE CA/RAS/EI. This puts it REALLY far up in importance; higher than "regular" awards. And in what I've seen, it's usually held in the same regard as WFFA...

Lastly they should make Dean's List become about Engineering achievements and then create another award similar to what Deans list is now. Dean Kamen is known for his engineering not necessarily his leadership skills so it makes sense to have his name on the engineering one and someone elses name on the leadership one.

More awards (just like more champs) dilutes the strength of other awards. In my experience, DL (should) takes into account all aspects of FIRST; I've always viewed it as 'the student who best exemplifies the ideas and values of FIRST', which, includes technical prowess.

[Sperkowsky]

Originally Posted by Steven Donow

SNIP

2 things

1. The gift bag has not had beats in it for a few years now.
This year it included
A nice FRC bag with Deans list embroidered on the front - The nicest item
A nice travel mug that also says Deans list on it
Cheap Headphones from amazon that cost around $25
A $25 Amazon Gift Card
and a Teddy Bear

2. The prestige of EI and Chairmans motivate many teams to do outreach that they otherwise would not do. After a bit of outreach many teams realize how rewarding it realize is and continue. If making the Deans list award seem more prestigious therefore inspiring more motivated Student Leader then whats the issue? Who cares why someone was motivated to become a student leader if they are good at it, learn something, and inspire others then the award succeeded with its goal.

[bkahl]

Originally Posted by Sperkowsky

Well to start DLF needs to be slightly revised to make more students aim towards it as a goal.

Currently at the competition you get only a certificate. (I know in Canada they get a sweatshirt but that is besides the point) This is compared to WFFA where you get a beautiful trophy and blue banner.

They should atleast give DLF a nice trophy or two. Maybe a plaque for the team and a trophy for the student similar to other awards. The certificate while nice is nothing for your school to display and makes it seem like a very sub-par award. (My original certificate did not even have my named spelt right).

Another thing which is kinda odd is the gift bags which after the title is the coolest part of the award. The weird thing about them is they do not tell anyone about them. In fact I am sure there are tons of people here who did not realize FIRST gives out bags full of stuff to DLF. (Usually valued at around $250 this year they went a lot cheaper and id probably say it was $125ish). These bags should be given out at the regional/dcmp to once again show that the award is a bigger deal.

They also announce it towards the end after the obligatory after this point these awards qualify you for championships which is really deceiving. Yes you can go to CMP and most do. But, it makes it seem as if your team also gets to go.

Lastly they should make Dean's List become about Engineering achievements and then create another award similar to what Deans list is now. Dean Kamen is known for his engineering not necessarily his leadership skills so it makes sense to have his name on the engineering one and someone elses name on the leadership one.

Just my 2¢

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