Resources
Our resources give you easy ways to explore engineering, build new skills, and find inspiration to create real change in your community. Use these as a starting point before or during our programs/mentorship
CAD Event Materials
Explore the slideshows we created and used during our computer-aided design (CAD) events to familiarize yourself with the core CAD concepts. These slideshows will take you from beginner to advanced level CAD and will teach you the skills needed to create innovative, complex designs.
Engineering Mentorship's Impact
Engineering & Robotics Facts
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What Is Robotics? - Robotics blends engineering, coding, and problem-solving to design machines that can think or act for specific tasks. It’s a hands-on way to bring STEM skills to life.
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The Power of Mentorship in Engineering
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Students with mentors are 55% more likely to enroll in college-level STEM programs.
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Engineering mentorship improves problem-solving and critical thinking, with mentored students showing a 70% higher success rate in completing advanced projects.
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The Challenges of STEM Education – Limited school funding and lack of mentors create barriers. Schools with robotics mentorship programs see 60% higher student retention in STEM courses.
Getting Started
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For Students
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Taking the First Steps: Begin with accessible kits (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, LEGO SPIKE, etc.). Just 5–10 hours per week of practice strengthens teamwork and problem-solving skills.
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Project Templates: Pre-coded scripts, build plans, and design worksheets.
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For Mentors & Educators
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Building a Club: A robotics group can begin with as few as 5 students and 1 mentor. Local sponsors or grants often cover startup costs.
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Workshop in a Box: Lesson plans, safety checklists, and simple build activities (like a robot arm).
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Connecting Locally: Partner with universities, libraries, and STEM businesses for added expertise and resources.
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Pathways After School
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College Opportunities - Many universities offer scholarships for students involved in robotics or STEM clubs.
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Careers in Demand - Mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering are among the fastest-growing fields worldwide.
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Apprenticeships & Certifications - Options exist outside of college, including technical training in automation and manufacturing.
Resources
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For Students
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Intro to Robotics Kits: Affordable beginner kits like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and LEGO SPIKE for hands-on learning.
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Programming Platforms: Coding resources designed for beginners, and free languages and IDEs such as Python and Pycharm.
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Design Tools: Softwares such as Fusion 360 offer free versions for students for CAD and simulation
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For Mentors & Educators
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Curriculum Guides: Open-source robotics lesson plans and project-based learning activities.
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Grant & Funding Directories: National STEM foundations and local education grants often cover equipment or training costs.
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Mentorship Networks: Online forums and groups where professionals connect with educators and student teams.
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For Everyone
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Online Learning Hubs: Free courses on platforms covering engineering and robotics basics.
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Makerspaces & Libraries – Many local libraries and community centers have 3D printers, tools, and STEM workshops that are free of cost
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