Combining the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. We call FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) 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 in grades 9 through 12 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.
The FIRST Robotics Competition program in Oregon is part of the Pacific Northwest District under the leadership of FIRST Washington. The theme of the 2025 FIRST Robotics Competition is REEFSCAPE as part of the overall FIRST season theme of FIRST DIVE. The FIRST Robotics Competition season will kick off in January 2025.
- Builds leadership and entrepreneurial skills: As students take on leadership roles or participate in business-related challenges, FRC helps develop their leadership, communication, and entrepreneurial skills.
- Prepares students for real-world challenges: FRC 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: FRC 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: FRC encourages diversity and inclusion by welcoming students from all backgrounds and abilities to participate in the program.
FRC 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.
FRC challenges students to design, build, and program robots to solve complex problems, which develops their critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
FRC 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 and members of industry. Others will be interested in providing their classroom or lab space 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 as well as the FIRST Inspires website.
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
