“FIRST Tech Challenge teams (up to 8 team members) are challenged to design, build, program, and operate robots to compete in a head-to-head challenge in an alliance format. Guided by adult coaches and mentors, students develop STEM skills and practice engineering principles while realizing the value of hard work, innovation, and working as a team” - FIRST Learn more. 

FTC students design, build, and program robots made from materials found in the field. They use power tools, learn basic CAD and Java, and have loads of fun doing it. Each robot is programmed from scratch to have a 30-second autonomous period, where the robot drives entirely by itself, and a 2-minute teleoperated period, where drivers operate the robot. Each task provides an interesting design challenge for students to overcome. A team of experienced mentors aids students in this program. Mentors explain different design concepts to students as well as teach them things they have learned in the field.