Overview

Thanks to a generous grant from Google.org, we are able offer this professional development workshop for new and veteran coaches at no cost.

Local instructors will lead a great combination of learning and fun in the spirit of FIRST programs. Veteran and rookie coaches alike will learn new methods for expanding their teams’ experience and success.

And, because plenty of hand-on activities are included, coaches and mentor will be ready to get a running start at the upcoming season.

  • Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
  • Location: Portland Community College, Sylvania Campus

Professional Development Certificates will be issued by ORTOP upon request.

Goals

Prepare coaches and mentors for an upcoming season.

  • Connect coaches and mentors with each other, builiding future connections for future questions.
  • Educate attendees about recent or new changes.
  • Expand the knowledge base of attendees.
  • Have participants go through a mini-season with build & programming sessions and a miniature tournament.
  • Share what is expected of coaches and mentors.
  • Be as interactive as possible.

Additional Information

Lunch and a light breakfast will be included. Hotel and mileage stipend may be available to those traveling over 50 miles. Contact us with any questions.

Schedule

Time

Activity

8:15–8:45

Check-in: Coffee, tea, and continental breakfast

8:45-9:00

Introduction

9:00–9:30

Being an Effective Coach & Mentor – Lightning Talk

9:30-10:15

Things I Know Now, That I Wished I Knew Earlier – Global Café Style

Share: What are some of your favorite resources?

10:15-10:30

Break

10:30-11:15

Judging, FIRST YPP and Gracious Professionalism

11:15-12:30

12:30–1:00

Hands on Programming with FTC Blocks

  • Configure and Connect via wifi and explore Control Hub
  • Create basic “tank drive” program

Lunch

1:00-2:00

Coaching a Team on Mechanical Design & Prototyping

2:00–4:00

Robot Season in a Nutshell

– Teams form, name themselves, and create a cheer

– Review “sample delivery” challenge

– Prepare provided robots to score points on the 2024-25 INTO THE DEEP playing field

4:15-5:15

INTO THE DEEP Scrimmage

5:15-5:30

Session wrap up and evaluation