Beyond the Bootcamp: Building Student Leaders in FIRST

Presenter: Jenifer Lawrie (1466 & 1445)

Key Takeaway: Learn practical strategies for teaching leadership skills using robotics scenarios for practice, making leadership part of your technical training.

How do we develop student leaders who can do more than manage tasks? At Webb Robotics, leadership development starts with a Leadership Bootcamp, and continues through the season via intentional practice, feedback, reflection, and increasing responsibility. This workshop will share approaches to teaching communication, delegation, conflict resolution, empathy, and giving and receiving feedback through robotics scenarios. We'll explore how leadership structures can create opportunities for students to practice these skills while supporting team sustainability and developing future leaders. Participants will leave with activities they can adapt to their own teams, whether starting a leadership program or strengthening an existing one.

About the Presenter:

Jenifer Lawrie is with FRC team 1466 and team 1445/Webb Robotics, and has 13 years in FIRST.