Frequently Asked Questions - Volunteers

  1. What kind of jobs are there?
  2. How much time will be required?
  3. Where and when do you meet?
  4. I only want to help during the competition, is that ok?
  5. Do I need any special skills?
  6. What's the difference between a mentor and a volunteer?
  1. What kind of jobs are there??
    You name it, we have to do it. There are needs for recruiting mentors, schools, volunteers, and sponsors.  We have jobs related to building the field, producing documents for kick-off, organizing kit materials, arranging trophies, contacting media representatives, arranging a VIP to present awards.  There are a whole host of needs for game day related to setup and smooth operation throughout the day  - help in the pits, etc.  Some times we just need people to help move the field.
  2. How much time will be required?
    That's entirely up to you.  There are many tasks that need to be done, some may only take a few hours for an individual to do, while other tasks may require several days of team effort to complete.
  3. Where and when do you meet?
    From January to June, we try to meet at least once a month as a group, although smaller groups may meet to work on particular projects (like kit parts).  Starting roughly in July we try to meet once a week through Texas BEST.  We'd like you to come to every meeting, but of course you don't have to. Typically we meet at lunch time at the Southwest Research Institute cafeteria.
  4. I only want to help during the competition, is that ok?
    Sure, what did you think we'd say? There are plenty of things to do the day before and the day of the competition.  Kick-off, demo day, and open practice sessions are also periods when having a large number of volunteers is quite helpful.
  5. Do I need any special skills?
    Not really, there are jobs for every skill level.  The most important skills are a desire to work and the ability to show up.
  6. What's the difference between a mentor and a volunteer?
    Volunteers help with the administration of the hub, while mentors do their volunteer work directly with the students.  A large percentage of the volunteers are also mentors.