FIRST Tech Challenge is a dynamic robotics competition designed to captivate young minds and stimulate their interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This competition encourages students from grades 7 through 12 to think critically, work collaboratively, and employ real-world engineering principles to design, build, and program robots capable of competing in an alliance format against other teams.

FTC is not just about the thrill of the competition; it’s an enriching journey that exposes participants to the entire engineering process. Students not only develop their technical skills, but they also cultivate soft skills like teamwork, leadership, and strategic thinking. From designing and prototyping to coding and testing, every phase of the competition provides students with opportunities to troubleshoot, iterate, and innovate, mirroring the procedures followed by professional engineers and technologists in the real world.

The FTC experience is further enhanced by the core values that FIRST emphasizes. Central to the competition is the concept of “Gracious Professionalism®” – promoting a culture of mutual respect, learning, and sharing among competitors. Rather than a cutthroat environment, teams are encouraged to assist one another, showcasing that victory is not just about outperforming others, but about elevating the community as a whole. As students engage with FTC, they not only acquire valuable STEM skills but also learn the essence of collaboration, community, and the true spirit of competition.