FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC) gives middle school students the opportunity to design, build, and program a competition robot while developing engineering, coding, and teamwork skills in a collaborative, real-world environment.

Each season, teams are presented with a new challenge that requires students to apply the engineering design process, learn programming concepts, and work together to develop creative solutions. Throughout the season, participants build technical skills while strengthening communication, leadership, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

Teams typically include 12 participants and are led by adult volunteer coaches and mentors.

Pre-Season Information Meeting

TBA

Registration for the Pre-Season Information Meeting is required for all families interested in participating in FIRST® Tech Challenge this season.

During the meeting, we'll:

• Explain the team formation process
• Review the season schedule and expectations
• Discuss volunteer coaching and mentoring opportunities
• Answer questions about the program and competition season

Team Formation

Because FIRST® Tech Challenge relies on volunteer coaches and mentors, the number of teams we can offer each season depends on the number of adults willing to volunteer.

Following the information meeting, teams will be formed based on several factors, including:

• Previous participation
• Robotics experience
• Parent willingness to volunteer

Children of volunteer coaches and mentors receive priority placement because each additional volunteer helps us expand opportunities for students to participate. Once teams have been finalized, selected families will receive an invitation to enroll for the season.

Volunteer Coaching & Mentoring

No robotics, engineering, or programming experience is required!

Coaches and mentors help organize weekly team meetings, support students as they design, build, and program their robot, and encourage teamwork throughout the season. Teams typically meet days each week.