WHAT  IS  FTC?

FTC, or FIRST Tech Challenge, is a robotics competition for students in grades 7-12 organized by the non-profit FIRST Inspires. It's a thrilling and educational program that gets students involved in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in a fun and hands-on way.

          Some key points about FTC:

• Team-based: Students work together in teams to design, build, program, and operate robots to compete in a game that changes every year.
• Focus on teamwork: Just as important as the robot itself is the teamwork, communication, and critical thinking skills students develop throughout the competition season.
• Open to all skill levels: FTC welcomes students of all backgrounds and experience levels, with roles for both technical and non-technical interests.
• Year-round program: The FTC season runs year-round, with teams participating in workshops, fundraising, and robot development throughout the fall and competing in regional qualifiers in the spring.
  
  ​Benefits of Participating:
• Develop valuable STEM skills: Students gain hands-on experience in engineering, coding, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
• Improve teamwork and communication: Working together towards a common goal fosters collaboration and communication skills.
• Build confidence and self-esteem: Successfully designing, building, and competing with a robot gives students a great sense of accomplishment.
• Network and make new friends: Students connect with others who share their passion for STEM and robotics.
• Potential for scholarships and college opportunities: Participation in FTC can be a strong addition to college applications.
  
  Getting Involved:
• Find a team: The FIRST Inspires website allows you to search for existing teams in your area.
• Start a team: If there aren't existing teams nearby, you can find resources on FIRST Inspires website to help you get started.
• Become a mentor: Adults with STEM backgrounds can volunteer as mentors to share their knowledge and support teams.