About

FIRST Robotics Competition, commonly known as FRC, is the pinnacle of the FIRST programs.  The FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) is an international high school robotics competition organized by FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). It brings together teams of students who collaborate to design, build, and program robots to complete specific tasks or challenges. FRC teams typically consist of high school students guided by adult mentors.

Join the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) and embark on an exciting journey! Here's what you can expect during an FRC season:

• Kickoff Event - Early January: Attend the official FRC Kickoff event where a new game challenge is unveiled, setting the stage for the season. 

• Strategy and Design: Analyze the game challenge, devise a winning strategy, and create design concepts for your robot.

• Build Season - January-February: Engage in a fast-paced, six-week build season, constructing your robot with the help of mentors and cutting-edge tools.

• Sub Teams: Focus in your efforts to develop specific skills through different teams

  • Design & Build: Design a robot through digital modeling and work to fabricate parts and assemble the robot. 

  • Programming: Learn programming languages and write code to control the robot's autonomous and teleoperated actions.

  • Electrical: Wire motors, sensors, and power to the robot.

  • Publications: Manage the written aspects of the team like award submissions, newsletters, etc. 

  • Business Admin: Help run the team through financials, communications, and event planning. 

  • Imagery: Work to sell the brand of the Joes. Develop graphics, handouts, and represent the Joes on Social Media

• Testing and Iteration: Continuously test, improve, and iterate on your robot's design and other projects to maximize performance and quality.

• Community Outreach: Get involved in community outreach activities, workshops, fundraising, and collaboration with other teams.

• Regional Competitions - March: Showcase your robot's capabilities at district competitions, competing against other teams for victory.

• Championship Events - April: The season concludes with the thrilling Championship events at the State and World level, where top-performing teams gather to compete.

Through FRC, you'll gain invaluable skills in engineering, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication. Join us and experience the excitement, innovation, and spirit of gracious professionalism in the FIRST Robotics Competition.

More Than Robots

Welcome to the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), where it's "more than robots." FRC offers students an immersive experience that goes beyond building machines. Students develop vital soft skills like teamwork, leadership, and communication as they work collaboratively in diverse teams, effectively delegating tasks and overcoming challenges together. Gracious professionalism is a core value of FRC, fostering an environment of respect, integrity, and kindness. Through community engagement, students inspire younger generations, promote STEM education, and develop social responsibility and leadership skills.

In FRC, students gain practical experience in project management, setting goals, managing timelines, and adapting to real-world circumstances. The program encourages problem-solving and innovation, challenging students to think critically and develop creative solutions. With the guidance of experienced mentors, who serve as role models and share industry insights, students are inspired to pursue their passions and develop lifelong learning habits.

FRC involvement opens doors to college and career opportunities, with many universities and organizations recognizing the value of FRC experience. Scholarships, internships, and employment prospects are available to FRC participants, who are well-prepared for future academic and professional pursuits. Companies also recognize the impact of FIRST on their employees.

Discover the transformative power of FRC. Develop essential skills, embrace core values, and embark on a journey that extends far beyond building robots. Experience the joy of teamwork, the spirit of gracious professionalism, and the positive impact of community engagement. Join us and unlock a world of opportunities through the FIRST Robotics Competition.

Season Calendar

Below is a summary of the events that take place during a regular year, including competitions and volunteering opportunities. Please refer to the most recent year's information for the most up-to-date details.

Pre Season (September-December)

Team recruitment, fundraising, and design brainstorming.

Meeting Schedule

WMRI - West Michigan Robotics Invitational

Offseason Competition | 1 Day | Late October | Zeeland, MI

Compete against teams in West Michigan and experience the excitement of an event on a smaller scale. 

Little Joe LEGO Show!

Volunteering Opportunity - FLL Explore Expo | 1 Day | November | SJHS

Earn AP by helping at the FLL Explore Expo hosted by Average Joes. This event features ~12 teams of our very own Little Joes!

Sunset Coast Splash FTC Qualifier

Volunteering Opportunity - FTC Event | 1 Day | November | Coloma, MI

Earn AP by helping at the Sunset Coash Splash Qualifier hosted by neighboring friends Robotarians. This is the home event for all of our Joe Bots.

Lance-a-Bot Mania FLL Explore and Challenge Event

Volunteering Opportunity - FLL Explore Expo & FLL Challenge Competition | 2 Days | November | SJHS

Earn AP by helping at the Lance-a-Bot Mania event hosted by neighboring friends Lance-a-bot. This event features ~8 teams of our very own Little Joes, and all of our Super Joes! 

2nd FTC Qualifier

Volunteering Opportunity - FTC Event | 1 Day | TBD | TBD, MI

Earn AP by volunteering for FTC's other event. Help fulfill their volunteer requirements.

Lions Club Craft Show

Volunteering Opportunity - Giving back to a Sponsor | 2 Days | 1st Thursday & 1st Saturday of November | SJHS

Earn AP by supporting our sponsor at the Lions Club Craft Show! Help with setup on Thursday and assisting crafters on Saturday. Your contribution makes a difference!

Build Season (January-February)

Intensive period for designing, building, and programming the robot.

Meeting Schedule

Monday-Thursday 

2:45pm - 5:00pm | Study Hall in Innovation Center/Woods Classroom. CAD Lab available as needed

5:00pm - 6:00pm | Team Dinner with meal provided by team parents

6:00pm - 6:15pm | Subteam Standup meeting

6:15pm - 9:00pm | Regular Team Meeting/Work Time

Kickoff

Event (REQUIRED) | 1 Day | Beginning of January, Saturday | SJHS

The annual event that marks the beginning of the FIRST Robotics Competition season, where teams gather to learn about the game challenge, receive their kits of parts, and kickstart their robot design and build process.

Science & Culture Festivals

Volunteering/Outreach Opportunity | 1 Evening per School | Springtime | SJPS Elementary Schools

Visit the Science Fairs of our local elementary schools and be a part of our journey to promote the wonders of STEAM, FIRST, and St. Joe Robotics.

Competition Season (March-April)

Participating in regional and district competitions, showcasing the robot's capabilities.

St. Joseph District Event Setup

Volunteering Opportunity (REQUIRED) | 2 Days | Tuesday and Wednesday of St. Joe Event | SJHS

The Average Joes host the St. Joseph District Event each year since 2013. Help put on the show by setting up for the event through laying tarps, setting up pits, building the field, and more!

Student Ambassador

Volunteering Opportunity | 1 Afternoon | Thursday of St. Joe Event | SJHS

Help teams attending the St. Joseph District Event unload, find their pit, and provide directions around the Fieldhouse.

St. Joseph District Event

Event | 2 Days | March, Friday and Saturday | SJHS

Attend our first district event of the season! Located in the Fieldhouse. 

Summer Season (May-August)

 Reflecting on the season, planning improvements, fundraising, and preparing for the next year.

Time Commitment

Coming Soon!

Social Media

We use social media to connect to the community, give students recognition, and share informative/relatable robotics content.  We encourage all students to participate but do not require it. If you have ideas for content or would like to be more involved, you can contact Ako, our publications lead @14965stjoebears.com 

To follow our social media, click the images below!

 Expectations

In the robotics program at St. Joseph Public Schools, there are additional expectations for students. These expectations include:

1. Academics as a top priority: Students are expected to prioritize their academic responsibilities. This means staying committed to their studies, completing assignments, and maintaining a satisfactory GPA. Academic success is important and should not be compromised by robotics activities.

2. Showing team pride and representing the team: Students are expected to demonstrate team spirit and pride in their robotics program. They should represent the team positively and uphold its reputation both during and outside of robotics events.

3. Active participation during meetings and events: Students are expected to actively engage in robotics meetings and events. This includes being present, attentive, and actively contributing to discussions, tasks, and projects.

4. Completion of assigned tasks: Students are responsible for completing tasks assigned to them, such as KP duty (kitchen patrol), IC cleanup, scouting, cheering, and networking at competitions. These tasks contribute to the overall functioning and success of the team.

5. Checking BAND daily: BAND is a communication platform used by the robotics program. Students are expected to check BAND regularly for updates, announcements, and important information related to the team.

6. Reading updates on BAND and filling out forms/RSVP: Students should read the updates posted on BAND and promptly complete any necessary forms or RSVPs as instructed. This ensures efficient communication and organization within the team.

7. Willingness to learn and try new things: Students are encouraged to have a growth mindset and be open to learning and trying new things. Robotics provides opportunities for skill development and personal growth, and students should embrace these experiences.

8. Innovation Center (IC) entrance after 4 pm: Students should use the designated entrance to the Innovation Center when accessing it after 4 pm.

9. Attendance at Kickoff: Students are expected to attend the kickoff event, which marks the beginning of the robotics season. This event is crucial for receiving important information and instructions regarding the upcoming season.

10. Participation Fee: There is a $100 fee required for participation in the robotics program. Students are responsible for submitting this fee as outlined by the program.

11. GPA and requirements: Students should strive to maintain a GPA of 2.6 or higher and meet any additional requirements specified by the program, such asHP (Hour Points), AP (Action Points), and XP (Experience Points) requirements.

12. Communicating other commitments: If students have other commitments that may potentially conflict with robotics activities, it is important for them to communicate with a coach in advance to discuss and find possible solutions.

13. Study Hall in IC: From January to March, there will be a designated study hall in the Innovation Center. Students can utilize this time to work on their academic tasks and assignments.

14. Dinner/Lunch provided by team member families: Throughout the season, team member families may provide dinner or lunch for the team. Students can expect these meals to be provided as a form of support and nourishment during robotics activities.

Competitions

District Competitions

The FRC program participates in two District Competitions. One of these events is the St. Joseph District Event, which the team hosts. The second event requires travel and is usually scheduled two weeks after the St. Joseph event, both taking place in March.

• 2-3 days long (depends on student's role on team)

• Usually Thursday to Saturday, but some events start on Friday or Saturday

Championships

Throughout the season, the team aims to accumulate enough points through their robot's performance to qualify for the State Championship. The State Championship is held at Saginaw Valley State University and takes place in early April. If the team earns enough points at the State Championship, they may qualify for the World Championship held in Houston, Texas.

The World Championship is the highest level of competition in the FRC program, where teams from around the world gather to compete. Qualification for the World Championship is based on the team's performance and accumulation of sufficient points throughout the season and at the State Championship.

It's important to note that specific dates and details of competitions may vary from year to year, and it's advisable to consult the official FRC schedule and guidelines for accurate and up-to-date information regarding competition events.

Parent Expectations

In the robotics program at St. Joseph Public Schools, there are certain expectations for parents regarding their involvement and support. These expectations include:

1. Providing a Team Dinner: Parents are encouraged to support the team by providing or contributing to a team dinner. This helps foster a sense of community and provides nourishment for the students during their robotics activities. Additionally, this allows for our mentors to come directly from work and have dinner. Otherwise we would not have any mentors! Think of providing meals as a thank-you to our mentors as well. 

2. Reading weekly updates: Parents are expected to stay informed by regularly reading the weekly updates usually sent out on Sundays. These updates contain important information about upcoming events, meeting schedules, competition details, deadlines, and any other relevant updates.

3. Not "talking" for your student: Parents are encouraged to let their students take ownership of their robotics experience. It is important for students to develop independence and learn to advocate for themselves. Parents should avoid intervening on their behalf unless necessary and instead encourage their students to communicate and address any concerns or issues with the appropriate individuals within the program (Coaches/Robotics Administration).

4. Encouraging independence: The robotics program aims to foster independence in students. Parents are encouraged to support this goal by allowing their students to take responsibility for their actions, decisions, and overall involvement in the program. This includes allowing students to handle their own tasks, manage their time, and navigate challenges with guidance from coaches and mentors.

The concept of "cutting the apron string" emphasizes the importance of promoting independence and self-reliance in students. By allowing them to navigate their robotics experience with increasing autonomy, parents contribute to their growth and development.

Parent To-Dos

1. Sign your student up in FIRSTInspires.org and complete Consent and Release. 

2. Fill out the SJPS Volunteer form (1 per person, per school year) if you plan on driving students, volunteering, or mentoring

3. Pay the $100 Participation Fee through RevTrak

Costs

General Costs

$100 Participation Fee - At the beginning of each season, students are required to pay the $100 participation fee. This covers the student's t-shirt, replenishes team supplies used by students, and commits to being a part of the team for the season. This fee can additionally be paid through 

Competition Costs

In the robotics program at St. Joseph Public Schools, student costs for competitions are determined based on factors such as the number of students attending, lodging costs, meals, and transportation. Once a student signs up for a competition, they are considered committed to participating, and it is expected that they fulfill their commitment. 

Disciplinary issues should not be used as a basis to exclude students from robotics participation. However, students who meet the program's requirements, including maintaining their grades and fulfilling monthly obligations, may be excused from classes during competition periods. It is the responsibility of these students to inform their teachers in advance and make necessary arrangements to obtain any missed homework or exams.

Students who do not meet the travel requirements set by the program will not be excused from class but may still have the option to travel to the competition independently, accompanied by an adult who will assume responsibility for the student.

2023 Costs 

Below are all the costs incurred over the course of the 2023 Competition Season. When traveling to events, we traditionally take up a group of core students that will load in the pit, get the robot working, etc.  When two costs are listed, the first number is the early group, and the second is the later group. 

Participation Fee: $100

Kickoff Lunch: $5

St. Joseph District Event: $0

Lakeview #2 District Event: $109/$62

State Championship: $152/$116

World Championship: 

*Please note at the World Championship, students paid for their own meals. 

Financial Need

If any families are in need of financial assistance, it is expected that they reach out to the Robotics Coordinator to discuss the need. In certain circumstances, additional opportunities to cover the cost may be provided including extra volunteering, providing administrative assistance, etc. This may not apply to all situations. 

Student Money Accounts

Each student will aquire a Student Money Account that is managed by the program. Students will be able the balance of their account