10 Ways to Appreciate Your Mentors During Mentoring Month

Mentors play a critical role on every FIRST^® team: offering guidance, encouragement, and empowerment to help students discover their potential. During Mentoring Month, please join us as we celebrate the people who make STEM learning exciting, reframe failure as a natural part of the process, and support FIRST students as they grow their skills and confidence. Keep reading for ten creative ways to thank the mentors who are making a meaningful impact throughout the FIRST community and beyond.

1. Memory Collage or Thank-You Notes

Create a photo collage or framed picture using favorite team moments, student signatures, and short heartfelt notes. You may also consider starting a Mentor Memory Book: add photos, thank-you letters, and team shout-outs each season. Over time, it becomes a priceless keepsake filled with memories and appreciation.

2. Personalized Recognition Awards or 3D Printed Tokens

Recognition awards are meaningful, but your team can make them truly unforgettable. Pair fun, personalized mentor awards like “Best Debugger” or “Calmest Under Pressure” with custom student-designed 3D-printed trophies or keychains. It’s a heartfelt way to celebrate your mentors’ impact while showcasing the creativity they help inspire. 

3.Robot-Inspired Keepsakes

One team shared that they gave their mentor a powder-coated spare robot part, signed by the entire team. It wasn’t just a piece of metal: it was a symbol of hard work, shared challenges, and collective growth. If your team has leftover parts, transform them into memorabilia that captures your innovative spirit and the lasting impact of your mentors’ support. 

4. Social Media Shout-Outs

Share a photo or short video celebrating the mentors who guide, inspire, and support your team. Tag them and let the world see the vast impact they make! Use hashtags like #MentoringMonth and #FIRSTVolunteers to join teams everywhere in celebrating the mentors who help shape our future. 

5. Handwritten Notes

Handwritten notes can carry a special meaning. Collaborate with your teammates to write short, personal thank-you message sharing how your mentor has encouraged, taught, or inspired each of you. Gather the notes and present them in a decorated box or envelope as a surprise keepsake.  

6. Video Tribute

Compile short video clips of students enthusiastically sharing what they appreciate most about their mentors. Mix in lighthearted bloopers or behind-the-scenes moments to capture the joy, teamwork, and memories you’ve built together. The result? A wonderful tribute that celebrates not just what mentors teach, but how they impact students every step of the journey! 

7. Host a Mentor Appreciation Meeting

During one of your regularly scheduled meetings, surprise your mentors with a dedicated celebration of their commitment and positive impact. Share a slideshow of favorite team memories, milestones, and moments that highlight their impact. Add a few lighthearted awards (see tip #2!) or shoutouts to bring smiles and laughter, and most importantly, let your mentors know how deeply valued they are for everything they do to support you and your teammates. 

8. Mentor Year of Service Pins

How long has your mentor been supporting FIRST teams? New Mentor Year of Service pins will be available in January in the FIRST Store. Consider working with your team to raise funds for this simple but meaningful way to honor and celebrate your mentor’s dedication and milestone. 

9. Public Recognition

Nominate your mentors for FIRST awards such as the Woodie Flowers Award, Compass Award, or other recognitions. Is your team mentor also a teacher? The FIRST Inspire the Future Recognition Program celebrates educators and schools. Be on the look out for the nomination period in Fall 2026. 

Taking the time to reflect on their dedication, leadership, and impact through a nomination essay is a powerful way to honor the countless hours they invest in the team. These different honors are meant to recognize the positive impacts your mentors make in students’ lives, your team culture, and the broader FIRST community. 

10. FIRST Branded Gifts 

If funding is available, check out the FIRST Store for mentor pins, sweatshirts, hats, or new customizable backpacks. Work with teachers, sponsors, or other team supporters to raise funds to purchase a gift and honor your mentor’s dedication.  

Help us add to the list! 

How does your team celebrate Mentoring Month? Share your ideas on social media with #MentoringMonth!