FIRST Near RPI

[Akash Rastogi]

I was interested in finding out about more teams in the area near RPI in Troy, NY other than team 20. They are obviously a veteran team so I don't think they would want any more college mentors (someone from 20, correct me if I'm wrong haha).

If you know of any teams near RPI please post up. Thank you.

(Not intended for freshman year if I attend RPI).

[yodameister]

We are in Latham, NY. Right next to Troy.
FRC 250 South Colonie is close as well

[EricVanWyk]

My mother coaches team 3044 out of Ballston Spa. They are just a hair further north than 20. They are in their second year.

[JewishDan18]

Of course 20 would welcome another mentor. But yes, I think other teams need you more than us. Off the top of my head, there's Ballston Spa, Colonie, Albany, and Latham. I think RPI "officially" mentors Albany (There is a class, I forget which one, that pretty much spends the semester mentoring the team).

[Chris is me]

I know at least some students in some clubs and majors get emails around the end of fall requesting they come back from break early to help out FIRST teams. I don't know more than that other than me not getting one and they of course advise freshmen not to do it.

Spring semester Intro to Engineering Design assists a FIRST team (1400-something).

*carefully watches thread*

[Ian Curtis]

Originally Posted by JewishDan18

Of course 20 would welcome another mentor. But yes, I think other teams need you more than us. Off the top of my head, there's Ballston Spa, Colonie, Albany, and Latham. I think RPI "officially" mentors Albany (There is a class, I forget which one, that pretty much spends the semester mentoring the team).

One section of IED (Introduction to Engineering Design) is strongly encouraged to mentor. We don't come back in session until January 25th, so they'd go two weeks of build without RPI students.

Akash,

If you come to RPI, you'll probably have time to mentor your freshman year. Taking 16 credit hours of sophomore/freshman classes, I have enough free time. The pace picks up -- it doesn't slow down.

[andrew348]

As of right now there will be no IED section mentoring this year due to the late return from winter break. There will be a group of students who will be helping out Albany HS (#1493) instead. If you are interested in helping talk to Larry Ruff in the AML.

[Chris is me]

Originally Posted by iCurtis

Akash,

If you come to RPI, you'll probably have time to mentor your freshman year. Taking 16 credit hours of sophomore/freshman classes, I have enough free time. The pace picks up -- it doesn't slow down.

You should be able to tell if you can handle mentoring by the end of your first semester. (If you've never had a very challenging class before you got here... probably not, if you already have strong study skills... probably)

[Akash Rastogi]

Originally Posted by yodameister

We are in Latham, NY. Right next to Troy.
FRC 250 South Colonie is close as well

If I attend RPI, I'll be in touch if you still have a spot open for me. If Ballston Spa needs help next year I'll be sure to see if I can help out, Eric.

Ian, I don't think I'm great enough of a student to keep my grades up and still be involved with a team. I'll most likely hold off until sophomore year or once I'm really settled into freshman year. We'll see how that goes.

[JewishDan18]

Originally Posted by iCurtis

If you come to RPI, you'll probably have time to mentor your freshman year. Taking 16 credit hours of sophomore/freshman classes, I have enough free time. The pace picks up -- it doesn't slow down.

I can second this. I had oodles of time freshman year, not so much now (at least not without feeling guilty about not studying like I should be doing now ).

[JamesBrown]

There are quite a few teams in the area. Paul Schoch in the ECSE department can help to set you up with a team if you are interested. 1493 works on campus and is the only team within walking distance of campus, if you have a car then there are quite a few younger teams in the area who could use help.

In addition to the FRC teams RPI hosts there own VEX competition every year, the game is designed by Larry Ruff and RPI IED students compete against High School FRC and FTC Teams. RPI has also hosted FLL competitions the past few years, and mentors multiple FLL teams within walking distance of campus.

If you have any specific questions or would like to be put in touch with Paul, Larry, or any of the High School mentors let me know

-James