The Future Problem Solving Program in Minnesota has many opportunities to get involved.
Coaching | Volunteering | Board of Directors | Student Ambassadors
Coaching
Calling all parents, teachers, retired educators, and MN FPSP enthusiasts! Are you passionate about guiding and inspiring the next generation of problem solvers? Whether you’re looking to coach a handful of students or dive into a broader mentoring role, the door is wide open for you to make a meaningful impact. From school clubs to district-wide programs, the MN FPSP thrives on the dedication and expertise of coaches. Your guidance and support are invaluable, and together, we can empower students to unleash their full potential.
If you are interested in becoming a coach, please contact Cheryl Whitesitt at cheryl@mnfpsp.org.
Volunteering
As a nonprofit organization, the MN FPSP relies on many volunteers to help accomplish our mission. If you have any skills that you think could be useful, we would love to have you help us with one of our initiatives!
Evaluators/Judges
As part of the MN FPSP competition, students are evaluated in each component that they participate in. In Global Issues Problem Solving (GIPS), evaluators read through packets of work produced by the students. In Scenario Writing, evaluators read through futuristic stories written by students. Evaluators function in similar capacities in the other components, which are described in detail here. Presentation of Action Plan (PAP) judges are also important for the MN FPSP; they judge student presentations/skits, which currently occur in a video format. If you would like to volunteer for either of these roles, please contact Cheryl Whitesitt at cheryl@mnfpsp.org.
Specific Skills
We are currently seeking volunteers with experience in any of the following areas: website design, graphic design, fundraising, and grant applications. If you have any of these skills and would like to help out, please contact Cheryl Whitesitt at cheryl@mnfpsp.org.
Board of Directors
The MN FPSP Board of Directors oversees the MN FPSP organization and the operation of its activities. This includes establishing policies, governing finances, evaluating employees, and several other roles. The Board is composed of 9–16 adults, who are often parents, teachers, coaches, and alumni of the FPSP. The Board currently has three scheduled meetings per year, in addition to several committee meetings.
If you have an interest in the mission of the MN FPSP, then we would love to have you on the Board! Below are the eligibility criteria for board members.
Eligibility
Adult board members must be at least 18 years of age, no longer in high school, and not competing as student participants. Board members must also be residents of Minnesota at the time of their election and shall serve a term of two or three years, with no limitation on the number of successive terms. Candidates must fill out an application, and current board members will then vote on the candidate, with a simple majority of members present and voting being sufficient for election.
To acquire the application form and inquire about additional information, please contact Cheryl Whitesitt at cheryl@mnfpsp.org.
Student Ambassadors
For more than five years, the MN FPSP Board of Directors has nonvoting student representatives known as Student Ambassadors. These students attend Board meetings, participate in Board committee work, and provide the student perspective to Board discussions. In addition, Student Ambassadors organize several initiatives each year; past activities have included newsletters, social media videos, fun/research events, and more.
Through their engagement as Student Ambassadors, students develop organizational and communication skills in a leadership role. These life skills are crucial as students graduate high school, pursue higher education, and enter career roles.
Students—if you are passionate about the MN FPSP, we would love to have you join us! Please see below for eligibility requirements and how to acquire the application form.
Eligibility
The student must be an incoming sophomore, junior, or senior in high school, who has participated in the FPSP for at least three years. Student Ambassadors must adhere to the Student Ambassador Handbook. The application consists of background information questions, signatures, short responses, and a single one-page essay. Applications are reviewed in May/June, and decisions are rendered shortly thereafter.
To acquire the application form and inquire about additional information, please contact Cheryl Whitesitt at cheryl@mnfpsp.org.