High School Robotics Team Mentor (Studio City)

About This Job

Bridges Academy, located in Studio City and operating as a non-profit organization, is currently seeking a mentor for its high school robotics team. This opportunity is for the upcoming season, with the potential for continued involvement in future cycles. Individuals who have a passion for robotics and engineering, enjoy guiding young people, and wish to contribute positively to their community will find this role particularly rewarding. The team consists of dedicated and enthusiastic students, making the mentorship a fulfilling endeavor that combines purpose with enjoyment. The program has historically received support from prominent sponsors including NASA, Tesla, Boeing, Home Depot, and SolidWorks.

Primary Responsibilities and Qualifications

The primary need is for a Technical Mentor with a strong engineering foundation. Extensive expertise in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and hands-on fabrication or construction is essential. A secondary, though beneficial, qualification is proficiency in 3D modeling and printing, specifically with tools such as OnShape or SolidWorks. Familiarity with robotics applications or direct experience with the FIRST Robotics Competition is also considered a valuable asset.

Bridges Academy serves twice-exceptional (2e) students, each with unique learning profiles. Every student demonstrates significant talent in at least one area while also navigating specific cognitive or learning challenges.

Time Commitment and Schedule

The mentorship schedule is divided into two distinct periods. During the fall semester, from September through December, the team convenes once per week on Wednesdays from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The spring competition season, spanning January to mid-March, requires a greater commitment. For approximately eight weeks, meetings are held Monday through Thursday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with dinner provided for the team each evening. While full attendance at all sessions is preferred, the program is open to discussing flexible arrangements if needed.

The team participates in the Southern California regional of the international FIRST competition in mid-March. Mentors have their food and lodging expenses covered for this three-day event. This year\'s competition will be held in Ventura/Port Hueneme, though locations in previous years have included Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Diego, and Pomona.

Compensation and Career Pathway

This position is structured primarily as a volunteer role within the school\'s after-school program. However, a yearly stipend is offered, the amount of which is determined by the mentor\'s relevant experience and availability and is subject to negotiation with the Director of the Robotics Program and the Head of School. For those considering a career shift into education, this mentorship has served as a stepping stone for some previous individuals, leading to full-time teaching positions at the academy.

Previous experience in teaching, working with neurodiverse students, or direct involvement with a robotics team is highly advantageous.

• Compensation: A modest annual stipend, commensurate with experience and availability.
• Employment Type: Part-time / Volunteer
• Job Title: Bridges Academy Robotics Technical Mentor