FIRST Tech Challenge teams (FTC) is way more than building robots. Teams of up to 15 team members in grades 7-12 are challenged to design, build, program, and operate robots to compete in a head-to-head challenge in an alliance format. During the fall and early-winter seasons students develop STEM skills and practice engineering principles under the guidance of adult coaches and mentors. The program helps them realize the value of hard work, innovation, and working as a team. The robot kit is reusable from year to year and can be coded using a graphical language or Java. Teams design and build robots, raise funds, design and market their team brand, and do community outreach to earn specific awards. Participants are eligible to apply for $80M+ in college scholarships. Each season concludes with league tournaments, qualifying tournaments and a state championship. The theme for the 2024-25 FIRST Tech Challenge is INTO THE DEEP.
- Builds leadership and entrepreneurial skills: As students take on leadership roles or participate in business-related challenges, FTC helps develop their leadership, communication, and entrepreneurial skills.
- Prepares students for real-world challenges: FTC presents real-world problems and challenges that students must overcome, preparing them for the complexities they’ll face in their future careers.
- Provides a fun and engaging learning experience: FTC is a fun and engaging way for students to learn about STEM subjects, making them more excited about science and technology.
- Supports diversity and Inclusion: FTC encourages diversity and inclusion by welcoming students from all backgrounds and abilities to participate in the program.
FTC promotes STEM education by providing students with hands-on experience in robotics, programming, and engineering. This helps build their skills and confidence in these subjects.
FTC challenges students to design, build, and program robots to solve complex problems, which develops their critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
FTC is a team-based competition, encouraging students to work together, communicate effectively, and rely on each other’s strengths to achieve a common goal.
What is a Teacher’s Role?
Some teachers will want to explore the possibility of co-coaching an after-school team with the help of some parents. Others will be interested in providing their classroom to parents who are interested in starting a team. We encourage teachers and parents to learn more about these high-impact programs by reviewing this website or attending one of our free workshops.
Free Workshops
We offer coaches and prospective coaches who are interested in learning more about what it would take to coach a team. These workshops have the following goals:
- Connect coaches and mentors with each other.
- Educate attendees about recent or new changes.
- Expand the knowledge base of attendees.
- Have participants go through a mini-season with a build & programming sessions and a miniature tournament.
- Share what is expected of coaches and mentors.
For more information click here.
Studies conducted by Brandeis University have found that students who participated in a FIRST program showed significant improvements in their interest in STEM fields, interest in STEM careers, and STEM knowledge. The studies also found positive impacts for all participants, including women, low-income students, and minority students The study also found positive impacts for all participants, including women, low-income students, and minority students
