Our Team

We foster dynamic student leaders with a blend of technical and key soft skills. We build people by building robots. In the fall, we have structured training and student-led off-season projects in each four subteams, through which our students prepare for the intense build season. During the build season, we make sure to foster an inclusive culture that encourages learning and growth.

Team Structure

We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We are led by a Leadership Council of mentors and elected students. Our students are divided into four subteams: CAD, which designs the robot using computer-aided design software; Mechanical, which manufactures the robot in our machine shop; Controls, which handles programming (primarily Java), wiring, and pneumatics; and MOPS, which handles all non-robot aspects of the team, including essay and award writing, fundraising, and outreach.

Schools We Represent

  • Lakota East High School
  • Lakota East Freshman School
  • Lakota West High School
  • Lakota West Freshman School
  • Kings High School
  • Home Schoolers
  • Monroe High School
  • Little Miami High School
  • Winton Woods High School
  • Mason High School
  • Ursuline Academy
  • Walnut Hills High School
  • Indian Hill
  • Fairfield High School

Partnership and Leadership

For 1038 to fulfill our mission we must form a partnership between mentors and students. Partnership means that each partner recognizes and respects the roles of the other(s). We use the term team to refer to the organization; like a sports team, our success will depend upon individual performance. Like a sports team, our success requires that each individual perform their assigned responsibility and trust that their team members perform their respective responsibilities.

To be effective and successful, the team needs leadership. While students and mentors are equal members, we recognize that leadership requires skills and experiences that may not be inherent in every individual. Therefore, we ascribe leadership roles to those who demonstrate the commitment, expertise and values required of an effective leader.

In general, mentors will provide leadership and we will practice situational leadership; that is, different individuals will be expected to provide leadership at different points in the process or for different functions. (Note to students specifically: leadership is about influencing the outcome. It is possible (and a valuable skill) to influence the outcome without being the designated leader.

Commitment (Expectations) of Team Members

  • Make 1038 a priority. Attend every work session; advise the appropriate leader of absences.
  • Fulfill your assigned responsibilities.
  • Be present at and participate appropriately in decision-making sessions.
  • Listen for understanding; be willing to be influenced.
  • Represent your ideas and opinions respectfully.
  • Treat others with respect.
  • Value ideas and opinions of others and seek to understand other perspectives.
  • Support the decisions of the Team.
  • Submit to the authority of the Leadership Council
  • Read the Handbook
  • Live our Values

Operating Principles

  • Mentors model situational leadership while demonstrating that students’ input is valued.
  • Students accept direction from mentors; express questions, concerns openly and respectfully.
  • Students and mentors engage one another so that all learn from each other.
  • Lead mentors may, at their discretion, delegate leadership to students.
  • Work sessions start and finish on time.
  • Decisions are made using the consensus model.
  • Decisions are data-based and made on schedule.
  • Decisions are not revisited.
  • Decisions are made by those present when the decision is made; no proxies.
  • Mentors manage the process and delegate tasks to students.