About 

FIRST Tech Challenge, commonly known as FTC is the middle school program that aims to develop student skills to be successful in the high school program. The FIRST Tech Challenge is an international middle and high school robotics program organized by FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). It brings together students who work in teams of approximately 10 to 12 students who collaborate to design, build, program, and improve robots to complete specific tasks or challenges. In FTC, teams are made up of middle school students guided by adult mentors and high school student mentors. 

Join FTC for an exciting journey through all the different aspects of building and showing off your robot at competitions! Here is what you can expect during an FTC Season

• Kickoff Event - Early September: Attend the official Kickoff event hosted by St. Joe Robotics where a new game challenge is unveiled, setting the stage for the season, and find out team assignments!

• Design and Iterations: Work with your team to design a robot to complete the goal of the game. Iterate on that design to continuously improve robot performance. 

• Build and Practice Season: Continue to develop the robot, practice driving it, and continue iterations.

• Engineering Notebook: Capture all of the different robot and team accomplishments in an engineering notebook to present to the Judges at the competitions.

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

• Qualifier Competitions - November-December: Showcase your robot and team success at Qualifiers to work towards earning enough points to qualify for State Championship.

• State Championship - December: The season concludes with the thrilling Championship events at the State level, where top performing teams get to compete. 

More Than Robots

to FTC (FIRST Tech Challenge) for Middle School, where it's "more than robots." FTC 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 FTC, 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 FTC, 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.

FTC involvement develops students' skills not only to succeed in the FRC program at the high school level but also to cultivate the necessary abilities for success when working with others. Students engage in a smaller, yet similar competition to FRC, which serves as building blocks to enhance their STEAM knowledge and skills. Through FTC, students continue to develop their problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking abilities, laying a strong foundation for their future endeavors in the FRC program and beyond.

Discover the transformative power of FTC. 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 Tech Challenge for Middle School.

Season Calendar (Under Construction!)

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.

FTC Season (September-December)

The bulk of all activities for the FTC team from building the robot to competitions to 

2nd FTC Qualifier

Event/Competition | 1 Day | TBD | TBD, MI

Attend one of two team qualifier events. 

Sunset Coast Splash FTC Qualifier

Event/Competition | 1 Day | Usually 1st weekend in December | Coloma, MI

Attend the first of two team qualifier events.

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 at Lakeshore. This event features ~8 teams of our very own Little Joes, and all of our Super Joes! 

2nd FTC Qualifier

Event/Competition | 1 Day | TBD | TBD, MI

Attend one of two team qualifier events. 

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!

Off Season (January-May)

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.

St. Joseph District Event Setup

Volunteering Opportunity | 2 Days | March, 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!

St. Joseph District Event

Event/Volunteering Opportunity | 2 Days | March, Friday and Saturday | SJHS

Visit the first District Competition of the High School team! Students over 13 and parents are encouraged to volunteer!

Summer Season (June-August)

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

Time Commitment

Coming Soon!

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 scouting, cheering, and networking at competitions. These tasks contribute to the overall functioning and success of the team.

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

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Pa 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.

9. Requirements: Students must meet requirements specified by the program, such as HP (Hour Points), AP (Action Points), and XP (Experience Points) requirements.

10. 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.

Competitions

Qualifiers

The FTC program participates in two Qualifier Competitions. One of these events is the Sunset Coast Splash Qualifier which is held in Coloma. The second event may require travel and is usually in late November or early December

• 1-2 days long (depends on student's role on team)

• Friday and Saturday

Championships

Throughout the season, the team aims to accumulate enough points through their robot's performance and awards won to qualify for the State Championship. The State Championship has traditionally been held at Calvin University in Grand Rapids. 

Currently, the captain of the winning alliance at the State Championship will qualify for the World Championship in late April. The World Championship is the highest level of competition, competing against teams across the globe. The World Championship is held in Houston, TX. 

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 FTC 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 Event Meals/Snacks: Parents are asked to support the team by providing or contributing to meals and snacks at competitions. This helps foster a sense of community and provides nourishment for the students during their competitions. 

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. Encouraging students to take initiative: 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 encourage students to talk to the appropriate individuals within the program (Coaches/Robotics Administration) regarding their robotics expierence. Parents should be a guide on the side in communication endeavors. 

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. Students may need guidance and reminders to complete tasks, and we welcome parent support in these endeavors. 

By allowing students to begin 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

Parent Involvement

The support and involvement of parents are crucial for the success of this program. It is entirely run by dedicated parents and volunteers who are passionate about supporting the growth and development of the students. The program's capacity is directly influenced by the active participation of parents. We encourage parents to contribute and support the program to the best of their abilities. Your involvement plays a vital role in creating a nurturing and enriching experience for the students.

Team Coach

The Team Coach for the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) at the middle school level is a crucial role responsible for providing leadership, mentorship, and support to the FTC team. They oversee team operations, guide technical development, foster teamwork, and prepare the team for competitions. The Team Coach plays a vital role in promoting skill development, strategy formulation, and game analysis. They act as mentors, cultivating a positive and inclusive team environment while emphasizing safety, compliance, and communication. Engaging with parents and the community, the Team Coach ensures a holistic and enriching experience for students, empowering them to explore robotics, STEM education, and personal growth.

Team Mentor

The role of a Team Mentor for the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) at the middle school level is to provide guidance, expertise, and support to the FTC team. Mentors serve as experienced individuals who share their knowledge and passion for robotics, engineering, and STEM fields; or as an adult support in their meeting activities - a passion for student development is all that is needed! They assist students in understanding technical concepts, problem-solving strategies, and the design and construction of robots. Mentors work closely with team members, helping them develop critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills. They foster a positive learning environment, encourage creativity, and inspire students to overcome challenges. Team Mentors may also provide valuable industry insights and career advice, helping students explore future opportunities in STEM-related fields. With their guidance, Mentors empower students to develop their potential, build confidence, and achieve success both inside and outside the FTC program.