GEARED UP Mentor Conference: Full Schedule

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.

10:15am EDT

FTC Academy: Start Here - What it is, why it matters, and how to get your team in.

Saturday August 8, 2026 10:15am - 11:00am EDT

Conf Room 2 (35) Curriculum @ 1301 Carrier Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22807

An introduction to FTC Academy: what it is, why it matters, and how teams and coaches can get involved. Designed for FTC coaches who know the program exists but have not yet engaged with it, broadening the FTC track beyond technical topics.

Speakers

Shelly Stoddard

Vice President, FIRST Chesapeake

Exhibitors

FIRST

FIRST is More Than Robots®Founded in 1989 by inventor Dean Kamen, FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a global nonprofit (501(c)(3)) organization that prepares young people for the future through a suite of inclusive, team-based robotics programs for ages 4-18 (PreK-12). Our programs are suitable for schools or structured... Read More →

Saturday August 8, 2026 10:15am - 11:00am EDT
Conf Room 2 (35) Curriculum 1301 Carrier Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22807

Curriculum, Presentation

11:00am EDT

FIRST in Class - Class and Curriculum or Club and Activity, what fits on your camps

Sunday August 9, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT

Conf Room 7 (165) Fundraising & Planning @ 1301 Carrier Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22807

A panel on team structures within schools — after school club versus classroom-embedded versus other models — and the trade-offs of each. Surfaces the structural decisions that determine whether a program survives and how to choose the right model for your school or community context.

Speakers

Shane Donovan

Director of Career and Technical Education, DC International School

Shane Donovan is the Director of Career and Technical Education at DC International School, a public charter school in DC. He is the lead mentor for the school's robotics program which includes a summer camp, an "Academy" program for new 6th graders, 2 or 3 FTC teams, and FRC team... Read More →

Sunday August 9, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT
Conf Room 7 (165) Fundraising & Planning 1301 Carrier Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22807

Curriculum, Panel