Name: Beyond the Robot: Building Meaningful Community Partnerships Through Outreach
Start: 2026-08-08T14:45:00-0400
End: 2026-08-08T15:30:00-0400

Welcome to GEARED UP 2026: Mentor Conference! Join us at James Madison University’s Festival Conference & Student Center in Harrisonburg, VA, for two days of learning, connection, and community.

You power 10,000+ students across DC, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. This day is built for YOU. Whether you’re a rookie coach launching your first team or a 20-year veteran looking for fresh ideas, you’ll find sessions, workshops, and conversations designed to sharpen your skills and recharge your passion.

Proudly presented by Aramco Americas. See you in Harrisonburg.

Beyond the Robot: Building Meaningful Community Partnerships Through Outreach

Saturday August 8, 2026 2:45pm - 3:30pm EDT

Conf Room 4 (40) Access & Advocacy

Successful FIRST teams do more than build robots—they build relationships. This session explores practical strategies for creating sustainable outreach programs that strengthen community connections, increase team visibility, and expand opportunities for students. Participants will learn how to identify potential partners, develop mutually beneficial relationships with schools, businesses, civic organizations, and local governments, and create outreach experiences that support both team goals and community needs.

Drawing on experiences from mentoring FIRST teams, leading STEM initiatives, and building partnerships across education, industry, and nonprofit organizations, this presentation will provide real-world examples of outreach efforts that have resulted in increased team support, improved student engagement, and stronger community impact. Attendees will leave with actionable ideas and tools to help their teams move beyond one-time events and develop long-term partnerships that advance the mission of FIRST while strengthening their local STEM ecosystem.

Speakers

Geoff Estes

CTE Supervisor, Harrisonburg City Public Schools

Geoffray Estes serves as the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Supervisor for Harrisonburg City Public Schools and is the Immediate Past-President of the Virginia Technology and Engineering Educators Association (VTEEA). Over the course of nearly three decades in education, he... Read More →

Saturday August 8, 2026 2:45pm - 3:30pm EDT
Conf Room 4 (40) Access & Advocacy 1301 Carrier Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22807

Access & Advocacy, Presentation

GEARED UP Mentor Conference

Geoff Estes

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GEARED UP Mentor Conference

Geoff Estes

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