FIRST is an organization that is powered by volunteers (both technical and non-technical) who bring a broad range of talents, expertise and experience to the FRC program. Our volunteers include engineers, teachers, business professionals, university students and parents, to name just a few, who coach and mentor teams of students, organize and support competitions and events, or manage much of the day to day details that make FIRST Robotics Competition possible. With almost sixty FRC teams in Illinois, the prestigious Midwest Regional Competition, the new Central Illinois Regional Competition and several off-season events; there is ample opportunity for everyone to share the very skills that are used in their everyday lives and jobs and make a lasting impact on the students that they reach. As an FRC volunteer, you will have the opportunity to help inspire students and change their lives. You will have the ability to open a door for them that they may never have thought to open for themselves.
Whether you’d like to try volunteering at an event or becoming a Coach or Mentor, everyone can make a difference at Illinois FRC. FIRST FRC volunteers are women and men of every age and occupation. FIRST FRC volunteers are just like you!
The Related Links at the right side of this screen are set up to help you volunteer. To volunteer at a competition, select "Sign up as an Event Volunteer Today". Register and select an event (such as the Midwest Regional or the Central Illinois Regional). Then indicate what position you'd like to sign up for, and we will contact you to help. To volunteer as a mentor, contact a team you know of or send us an email at contact@firstillinoisrobotics.org. Then we will help connect you with a team. For more information, check out the additional links listed.
Volunteers at the Midwest Regional not only have the opportunity to be a essential part of this high-tech, exciting and fun-filled event, they also have the unique opportunity to watch young participants learn, invent, cooperate and compete, applying the knowledge and skills gained through the FRC program. The Midwest Regional depends on an abundance of volunteers with a broad spectrum of talents. There is something to suit everyone’s style—whether you like fast-pace action or helping behind-the-scenes.
Working side by side with team members, an FRC Mentor plays a vital role in the success of their students. They are the major distinction between the FRC program and other robotic competitions as they are wholly the professional role model for the students. Mentors engage and inspire students in ways far beyond science and technology. They enable both students and adults alike to appreciate the value of sportsmanship, teamwork and Gracious Professionalism®.
Both Coaches and Mentors work extensively with team members during the build season, designing, building, and fabricating a functional robot for Competition. Coaches ensure that team members have a complete and accurate understanding of the rules of the game, help to develop effective game playing strategies and teach their drive teams how to successfully work together with their alliance partners. On the playing field, Coaches set the example of Coopertition® and Gracious Professionalism®.
Volunteers, Mentors and Coaches fill many roles on their team such as facilitators, advisors, teachers, and cheerleaders with both students and adults benefiting – the students gain valuable “real-world” knowledge while adults are reinvigorated by the students’ enthusiasm and “can do” attitudes. “I welcome the opportunity to encourage everyone I meet to get involved with FIRST as a Volunteer, a Mentor, or by supporting a team. The rewards are simply too immense to summarize in words…” Nicole Collazo, Senior Software Engineer II-Raytheon
FIRST Illinois Robotics
First Lego League Jr
FIRST LEGO League
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First Robotics Competition
