FIRST® is a global nonprofit organization that inspires young people to become science and technology leaders through engaging, hands-on robotics programs. Founded in 1989 by inventor Dean Kamen, FIRST aims to build confidence, foster innovation, and develop life skills beyond the classroom.

 Through a progression of programs for students ages 4–18, including FIRST® LEGO® League, FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC), and FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC), students learn how to work as a team, solve complex problems, and use real-world engineering tools and technology.

 The Aztechs Robotics program proudly supports two competitive teams :

• FRC Team 157 is part of the FIRST Robotics Competition, where high school students design, build, and program industrial-sized robots to compete globally.

• FTC Team 12566 is part of the FIRST Tech Challenge, where students build mid-sized robots using modular electronics and custom code to take on season-specific challenges.

 At its core, FIRST is more than just building robots. It’s about leadership, teamwork, gracious professionalism®, and creating a supportive community where students are encouraged to reach their full potential. By participating in FIRST, the Aztechs are not only preparing for competitions—they’re preparing for the future.

We consider it the ultimate Sport for the Mind. High-school student participants call it “the hardest fun you’ll ever have.”

Under strict rules, limited time, and resources, teams of students are challenged to raise funds, design a team "brand," hone teamwork skills, and build and program industrial-size robots to play a challenging field game against like-minded competitors. It’s as close to real-world engineering as a student can get.