Combining the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology, the FIRST Robotics Competition is a unique sport where every kid who plays can "turn pro." High-school student participants call it “the hardest fun you’ll ever have."
Volunteer mentors lend their time and professional talents to guide each team. Each season ends with an exciting FIRST Championship. The “official season” begins early in January when the season’s challenge is announced at a Kickoff ceremony.
Regional competition events start in late February and continue through April. Teams that qualify are invited to the FIRST World Championship, held at the end of April.
Under strict rules and limited time and resources, teams are challenged to raise funds, design a team “brand,” and master teamwork skills. Teams design, build, and program industrial-size robots to play a difficult field game against like-minded competitors.
High school students:
- Mentored by professional engineers
- Build and compete with a robot of their own design
- Learn and use sophisticated hardware and software
- Are exposed to design, project management, programming, teamwork, strategic thinking and "Coopertition"
- Compete to earn a place in the World Championships
- Qualify for over $80 million in college scholarships
5 Things You Need to Know:
- Coaches should have technical skills, with a knowledge of computer programming. Each team requires at least two adult coaches and mentors
- All skill levels are welcomed and needed, technical or non-technical
- Teams meet at least twice each week for a duration of 2-3 hours
- Competitions are held in March and April
- The annual fees for team registration, a robot kit of parts, and event participation are approximately $5,000 - $6,000. Additional costs for travel, food, team shirts and other optional items will vary. Grants and sponsorships are available
Please visit The Blue Alliance for more information about teams throughout the season
