First Tech Challenge: A Robotics Competition for Grade 7-12 Students
Are you interested in robotics? Are you looking for a competitive, team-oriented activity to fill your time? If so, the First Tech Challenge might be just the thing for you!
https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/ftc
What is the First Tech Challenge?
According to their website, the First Tech Challenge is a robotics competition where “teams design, build, and code robots to compete in an alliance format against other teams.” However, it also boasts about being “way more than building robots,” and that certainly seems the case. The skills they list other than engineering include coding, electronics, metalworking, graphic design, web creation, public speaking, and videography.
Piloted in 2005 to make a more accessible First experience, the challenge seems to have made a pretty significant impact in young people’s lives. According to a multi-year longitudinal study, conducted by Brandeis University Center for Youth and Communities, participants who have participated for one year in First’s Tech Challenge or any of their other challenges are two to three times more likely to have gains in STEM compared to others. In addition, 92% of participants reported increased leadership skills, 98% said they had to solve unexpected problems, and 93% have said they can better solve disagreements. They have also done a lot to boost students’ interest in STEM: 89% are more interested in a job or career in STEM and 95% expressed an increased desire to learn more about STEM.
Note: The First Tech Challenge should be differentiated from First’s Robotics Challenge, which have larger teams with a much larger budget (around $15,000 to $50,000, compared to the Tech Challenge’s $1000 to $2500).
How does the First Tech Challenge work?
Every year, First presents a different challenge for teams to solve by designing, building, programing, and operating robots. In 2023, the challenge revolved around POWERPLAY, and the energy theme was “United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #7 – focused on ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.”
The First Tech Challenge is a year-long program in the US and Mexico. Registration opens in May, after which there is an approximately 4-month long pre-season wait. Then, in September, there is a kickoff as the theme and challenge is released. Teams will work on their robots until January, where students will likely meet together and engineer their project. During this time, registered coaches and teams will have access to lots of resources and materials published by First, such as their kit of items teams could use to build their robots. The competition season varies from region to region and can run from October to March. Particularly, the State and Regional Championships happen from December to March.
Who can Join the First Tech Challenge?
From coding the robots to fundraising, there is a lot of space on a First Tech Challenge team for students to flex their skills. Anyone who is eager to learn about robotics, who wants to work in a team, or who is looking for an activity that they can put on their resume or use to apply for scholarships and grants, can participate in this challenge!
However, to participate, you do need to be in a team. The First Tech Challenge website allows you to look for teams in your area, but if you can’t find any, you can always take the initiative to create a team.
How to Start a Team for the First Tech Challenge
Recruit coaches: each team needs at least two coaches or mentors to guide the team through the build and competition season. More volunteers can help with administration, fundraising, technical skills, and various other tasks. These coaches must be able to dedicate time and effort through the build and competition season, which is from September to January for most teams.
Register and pay: once you have gathered your coaches, you can register to become an official team in the competition. This is accompanied by a $295 fee, which also allows you access to discounted technology components and lots of resources to aid you throughout the challenge. They have a link to a few grants which may be available to you.
Build your team: a maximum of 15 students can now join your team! Recruiting students at your school is a good place to start. As covered above, a variety of skills are useful in the challenge and looking for a diversity of talents may improve your chances of winning. (Tip: make sure to emphasize that no prior technical knowledge is needed, just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn! You can most likely find a lot of people who are interested in the challenge but feel nervous to join in.)
Fundraising: a team, there may be various expenses you may need, including materials, travel expenses, website hosting, and others. There are lots of ways you can go about this—you can reach out to local businesses or nonprofits, or look towards fundraising platforms such as GoFundMe to cover your expenses.
For More Information: You can find more information about how to start a team for the First Tech Challenge on their website, where they also have a lot of resources to help you with finding, registering, and coaching your team.
The First Tech Challenge offers an incredible opportunity for students to learn and develop a diverse set of skills while engaging in an exciting and rewarding competition. From coding and metalworking to public speaking and videography, there are lots of opportunities for participants to discover their passions and build their resumes. In addition, the First Tech Challenge is a great activity to increase participants' interest and proficiency in STEM, leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork. Starting a team may seem daunting, but with resources and support available on the First Tech Challenge website, anyone can take the initiative and create a team. The First Tech Challenge is more than just building robots; it is a community of individuals committed to developing skills, creating solutions, and having fun.
About Inspirit AI
AI Scholars Live Online is a 10 session (25-hour) program that exposes high school students to fundamental AI concepts and guides them to build a socially impactful project. Taught by our team of graduate students from Stanford, MIT, and more, students receive a personalized learning experience in small groups with a student-teacher ratio of 5:1.
