Volunteer with us
Find your calling: Volunteer for the Mississippi FIRST Tech Challenge!
Are you ready to inspire the next generation of innovators? Do you want to be a part of something bigger, something that ignites passion, builds skills, and shapes futures? Then it's time to volunteer for the Mississippi FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC)!
FIRST Tech Challenge isn't just a robotics competition; it's a movement. It's where students discover the thrill of STEM, the power of teamwork, and the joy of problem-solving. But none of this would be possible without dedicated volunteers like YOU.
Why Volunteer for FIRST Tech Challenge?
Ignite Inspiration: Be a direct catalyst in a young person's journey of discovery and learning. Witness their "aha!" moments as they design, build, and code
Shape Future Leaders: Help students develop critical 21st-century skills like critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and gracious professionalism.
Be Part of a Thriving Community: Join a passionate network of educators, engineers, parents, and mentors who are all committed to empowering youth.
Gain Valuable Experience: Whether you're an engineer, a teacher, a marketing pro, or just someone with a desire to help, there's a role for you. Enhance your leadership, organizational, and technical skills.
It's Flexible & Fun! From a few hours at a single event to a season-long commitment, we have roles that fit your schedule. The energy and excitement of an FTC event are infectious!
Why Volunteer?
As a volunteer with the Mississippi FIRST Tech Challenge, you'll inspire and support students who are passionate about science, technology, engineering, and math. Whether you're a mentor, judge, or event staff, your role makes a huge impact!
How You Can Help
- Mentor a team and share your expertise
- Help run competitions and events
- Judge robot designs and team presentations
- Encourage students to explore STEM fields
Your Skills Make a Difference!
Anyone can volunteer! We need a diverse range of talents to make FIRST Tech Challenge a success. No prior robotics experience is necessary for many roles!
Here are just a few ways you can contribute:
- Event Support:
- Field Reset: Help prepare the competition field between matches.
- Queuer: Keep teams organized and ready for their judging sessions and/or matches.
- Pit Administration: Assist teams in the pit area.
- Registration: Welcome and check in volunteers and teams.
- Crowd Control: Guide attendees and maintain a safe environment.
- Technical Roles (some experience helpful but training provided):
- Robot Inspector: Ensure robots meet competition rules and safety standards.
- Judge: Evaluate teams on various criteria like design, innovation, and teamwork.
- Referee: Oversee matches and ensure fair play.
- Scorekeeper: Accurately record match scores.
- Control System Advisor: Provide technical support to teams with their robot control systems.
- Robot Inspector: Ensure robots meet competition rules and safety standards.
- Mentor a Team:
- Technical Mentor: Guide students with robot design, building, and programming.
- Team Coach/General Mental: Help with team organization, strategy, and overall development.
- Business/Marketing Mentor: Assist teams with their outreach, fundraising, and presentation skills.
- Technical Mentor: Guide students with robot design, building, and programming.
Ready to Make an Impact? Choose Your Path!
No matter your background or availability, there's a place for you in the FIRST Tech Challenge community.
1. Find an Event Near You!
Explore our event calendar and see where your skills can make a difference. Many roles require only a few hours of your time on a single day.
Invest in a team for the entire season and experience the incredible journey of building a robot and competing.
Curious about what each volunteer role entails? Dive deeper into the responsibilities and requirements.
Take the First Step – Volunteer Today!
Don't wait! The future of STEM starts
with you. Join our incredible community of volunteers and help us empower the next generation of innovators.Center for Mathematics and Science Education
The Center for Mathematics and Science works to improve mathematics and science education in Mississippi by fostering interaction between academic and K-12 communities, support the implementation of research-based methods in the classroom, and promote interest in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).