Beach Cities Robotics Makes National Mentoring Month a Reality

January 1, 2004, marked the launch of the third annual National Mentoring Month (NMM www.whomentoredyou.org) campaign - a public-private initiative to recruit volunteer mentors for young people who are at risk of not achieving their full potential. As the centerpiece of NMM 2004, the Harvard Mentoring Project has developed a new initiative, Thank Your Mentor Day, which will be celebrated on January 15, 2004. On that day, millions of Americans are expected to reach out to thank or honor those individuals who encouraged and guided them, and who had a lasting impact on their lives.

(PRWEB) January 13, 2004 -- January 1, 2004, marked the launch of the third annual National Mentoring Month (NMM www.whomentoredyou.org) campaign - a public-private initiative to recruit volunteer mentors for young people who are at risk of not achieving their full potential. As the centerpiece of NMM 2004, the Harvard Mentoring Project has developed a new initiative, Thank Your Mentor Day, which will be celebrated on January 15, 2004. On that day, millions of Americans are expected to reach out to thank or honor those individuals who encouraged and guided them, and who had a lasting impact on their lives.

January 10, 2004, Beach Cities Robotics www.bcrobotics.org mentors were working closely with RUHS and MCHS students planning and designing their new 2004 robot. This kind of collaboration has helped the team win a national championship, and helped students become web designers, computer consultants, machinists and students pursuing engineering or teaching degrees.

"Beach Cities Robotics gives me incentives not to be bored," says RUHS senior Breanne Munoz.

When I first started in the robotics program this year, I didnt know much about the things going on or much about engineering. LeRoy Nelson (Mentor) started me on projects for him and always explained it in terms that I could understand, which helped me out a lot." Tiffany Schlittenhart, now an RUHS graduate.

"We had no clue just how much my daughter Angela Barron would thrive in the program. She worked at the machine shop on the robot, co-drove at all the competitions, and was RUHS Captain of robotics. Her sister-in-law was amazed because she never imagined Angela doing something like this," said mom Cheryl Miller. Angela is now at Cal State Dominguez studying to be a teacher.

Once again, I am so impressed by your dedication and generosity. You share so much of your time and energy to help team after team and one person after another. We are so proud and grateful to know you all." Cathleen Kiritz speaking about Beach Cities Robotics mentoring the Tulita Elementary Lego League Team.

"Without Beach Cities Robotics, and their generosity as mentors, the Samohi/New Roads Team (1115) would never have gotten off the ground. They have been tireless in sharing their experience and knowledge…and have included some of our team members in their extended team family. Beach Cities Robotics truly personifies the FIRST philosophy of gracious professionalism, and it is through its example that our team members have adopted and are trying to live that philosophy." Tiiu Luuk, Santa Monica FIRST Team

This is my second time as a mentor for the team and its been interesting and fun from the kickoff. We have a bunch of talented and interested students, and my fellow mentors are inspiring. Dr. Rick Wagner, Ph.D, Northrop Robotics Engineer.

Who goes out and says, ‘While you have a better probability of winning the state lottery than making a nickel in sports, oh, by the way, last year two million exciting technical jobs went unfilled in this country because you weren't there to take that job. And it pays you 10 times as much as flipping burgers, and it's fun and it's exciting and you get to create things and build things and help make the world a better place and help make yourself a better living. Who tells them this?" Dean Kamen, founder of www.usfirst.org and inventor of the Segway.

Beach Cities Robotics Team 294 welders Ryan Tupper, Ricardo Salgado and Marygrace Barron show off their new Hoodlum welding helmets.
Available in color and 200dpi – www.bcrobotics.org/hoodlum.jpg
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