It’s way more than building robots. FIRST Tech Challenge teams (10+ members, grades 7-12) are challenged to design, build, program, and operate robots to play a floor game in an alliance format. Participants call it “the hardest fun you’ll ever have!” Guided by adult Coaches and Mentors, students develop STEM skills and practice engineering principles (like keeping an engineering notebook), while realizing the value of hard work, innovation, and sharing ideas. The robot kit is reusable from year-to-year and can be programmed using a variety of languages. Teams also must raise funds, design and market their team brand, and do community outreach for which they can win awards. Participants have access to tens of millions of dollars in college scholarships. Each season concludes with regional Championships and an exciting FIRST Championship.

For information about FIRST Tech Challenge in Virginia, see our events or contact Kristin Clemons.

For more information about FIRST Tech Challenge teams and events in Maryland, visit USRA STEMAction Center.

For more information about the FIRST Tech Challenge competition, visit firstinspires.org.

To see a checklist on how to start an FTC team click here.

*New 2019 teams electing to register between now and May 2019 under the Jump-start program may be eligible for up to $500.00 in Rookie Grant funding that remains unused from the 2018 season.*