FTC Robotics

Previous robotics experience is suggested when joining and teams will be comprised of students from 6th, 7th, and 8th grades.

This is a competitive sport and having a diverse team of 6-8 graders makes for a great, collaborative experience.  Guided by adult coaches and Adambot mentors (Rochester Adams High School students), students develop STEAM skills and practice engineering principles, while realizing the value of hard work, innovation, and working as a team.

The robot is reusable from year to year, modified for the new game, and is driven by custom Java programming by the team. Teams design and build robots, raise funds, design and market their team brand, and do community outreach to earn specific awards. Participants are eligible to apply for $80M+ in college scholarships.

There is a local league that the teams compete with neighboring schools for five events prior to the Qualifiers.  The teams practice for 3 hours per week, often have an hour or two of homework for the next week's preparation.  Each is a serious time commitment, but the learning and fun is well worth the effort!  Each season concludes with a state championship event and an opportunity for an exciting FIRST World Championship.

• General FTC Information: https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/ftc/what-is-first-tech-challenge 

• Specific Van Hoosen FTC FAQ: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xd02b4C_-uk_TQp3hmR2g7-G0EYo3WwsMnV1noSnJjc/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.og89k3unl4tp 

• FIRST Robotics in RCS: https://www.rochester.k12.mi.us/academics/curriculum/career-technical-education/robotics

This option is better suited for students' with previous experience. 

Student Registration Link (2025 Season): https://forms.gle/Kz5N5vcvUVK6rP1B8 

All students applying to the FTC program are required to submit a letter of recommendation, details in the application.