Mentors on Team 5419 Berkelium are experienced guides who work alongside students to design, build, and compete with a robot each season. Rather than directing every step, mentors support student-led teams by sharing technical knowledge, asking questions, and helping students push through challenges, whether in CAD, Fabrication, Programming, or Business Operations. The core philosophy is that the most meaningful learning happens through working together toward a shared goal, with mentors providing support without taking over and students maintaining ownership of the work. Mentors typically focus on one subteam, attend 1–2 meetings per week, and contribute in ways that align with their interests and availability, making the role flexible yet impactful. For students and families, this means a program where young engineers are actively learning by doing; for prospective mentors, it’s an opportunity to pass on skills, collaborate on ambitious projects, and be part of a supportive, high-energy team building something real together.