FIRST Tech Challenge

FIRST® Tech Challenge students learn to think like engineers. They work in teams, honing their professional problem-solving skills to design, build, and program robots that compete in fast-paced matches.   Playing in an alliance format with another team, they must work cooperatively to optimize their performance.  

Each season, a themed robot game challenges teams with new opportunities to learn and collaborate. 

Anyone can join FIRST® Tech Challenge regardless of previous technical experience.   Teams consist of up to 15 members with a variety of talents.   Teams design and build their robots using reusable components from FTC community vendors and custom-designed parts created through 3D modeling.  They control their robots with a reusable Android-based control hub that they program in block-based or script-based languages, such as Java.  Teams also raise funds, design and market their team brand, and do community outreach for which they can win awards.

Guided by at least two adult 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. 

Participants have access to tens of millions of dollars in college scholarships. Each season concludes with an exciting international FIRST Championship.