Welcome to the GEARED UP: Mentor Conference, where innovation meets inspiration!
Join us on May 17, 2025, from 9 am to 4 pm at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Kossiakoff Center, for a day filled with knowledge-sharing, networking, and empowerment.
This conference is proudly presented by Aramco America and aims to equip mentors with the tools and insights needed to effectively guide an increasingly diverse generation of students.
More bots, more belonging. The Huss Family shares their inclusive model for running FLL teams using a multibot approach that increases hands-on opportunities, encourages student leadership, and accommodates different learning styles and needs.
Whether you’re working with a large team, diverse learners, or a mixed-age group, this session will show how you can scale engagement without losing depth—and build a more equitable team culture in the process.
Moving from FLL to FTC can feel like a leap—but it doesn’t have to be. Join experienced coaches Ryan Rich and Suseendran Natarajan for a down-to-earth conversation about how to guide students (and mentors) through this transition with confidence and continuity.
You’ll learn about timing, training, mindset shifts, and how to preserve what students love about FLL while embracing the exciting challenges of FTC.
If you’re new to FLL and wondering what you just got yourself into—this session is for you. Veteran mentors Marcus and Boyd from the Macro Mentor Core break it down with humor, honesty, and helpful resources for surviving (and thriving) in your first season.
From understanding the season arc to balancing robots, Core Values, and project work, this is your friendly orientation to what matters most and what to leave behind.
Hosting an FLL Explore event is more than just logistics—it’s an opportunity to spark joy, celebrate learning, and welcome new families into the FIRST fold. Amber and Seelig will walk you through how to plan, promote, and pull off a successful Explore event, even if you’re short on space, staff, or budget.
Ideal for rookie hosts or experienced coordinators looking to refresh their approach, this session combines practical advice with a deep love for the youngest members of the FIRST community.
You’ve got questions, ideas, and maybe even a few funny stories—and this is the space to share them. In this FLL Unconference, you’ll help shape the agenda and dive into conversations that matter most to YOU and your fellow coaches.
Never tried an unconference? It’s a participant-driven session where everyone has a voice, and the format is as flexible as your LEGO builds. Whether it’s recruiting, project work, behavior management, or just staying sane during tournament season—bring it to the circle and let’s figure it out together.
