What is FIRST Robotics Competition?

Combining the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. We call FIRST Robotics Competition the ultimate Sport for the Mind. High-school student participants call it “the hardest fun you’ll ever have.”
Under strict rules, limited time and resources, teams of students are challenged to raise funds, design a team "brand," hone teamwork skills, and build and program industrial-size robots to play a difficult field game against like-minded competitors. It’s as close to real-world engineering as a student can get. Volunteer professional mentors lend their time and talents to guide each team. Each season ends with an exciting FIRST Championship.

Student Grade Level

The FRC program is primarily for students grades 9 - 12. However, there are some exceptions made for younger students with a high level of robotics experience. In addition, any veteran team members wishing to become a mentor to the team may contact the current coach to inquire.

Requirements for Joining the Team

Passion for STEM, a risk-taker and a team-worker are the three main qualifications for becoming a team member. We can teach students robots but we cannot teach them passion. We also encourage students to join the team that bring unique skills to the table. In addition to the typical coding, building and designing we also look for the students passionate about organizing, documenting, public speaking and fundraising. If you have a passion for STEM we have a place for you on the team.

Build / Competition Schedule

The season starts during the second semester of the school year with the initial kick-off event occurring on the first Saturday of January. Teams are given approximately 6 weeks to complete their designing, building and testing of their robot. After this time, regional competitions occur throughout the world on a weekly basis for 6 weeks. At the end of these regional events, all teams that have qualified for the world championships will compete at this event which is held in Houston, TX in late April of the same year.

Costs for Participation

There is a fee associated with participating on the FRC team.  This includes team uniforms and the cost of CAD/Illustrator software programs, supplies and tools.  Throughout the year the students may be required to participate in events to help raise funds for the team in order to defer additional expenses.