Read below for more details about our FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Program and how you can get involved.
Who is this for? Our FIRST Tech Challenge program is for students in 6th-12th grade. Any students from the region are welcome to participate, regardless of past experience.
What will my student learn? FTC students learn more advanced skills in design, manufacturing, and programming. They will begin designing more custom components using Onshape CAD software, manufacturing parts on our in-house laser cutter or CNC, and assembling with more advanced engineering techniques. In addition, they will begin learning Java, a real-world programming language, to control their robot both autonomously and under human control.
When does the team meet? The meeting schedule for the upcoming school year is still TBD, but it will roughly be as follows:
June-August: 1 meeting per week (Wednesdays, 6-8pm) starting 6/10.
September 12: Kickoff of the new FIRST Tech Challenge season.
September-March: 2 meetings per week (likely 3 for advanced squads), probably on Saturday mornings and a weekday evening
The team typically travels to two single-day competitions per year, typically within a few hours of State College. Teams qualifying for the State Championship will have an additional event which includes an overnight stay.
How much does it cost to participate? We aim to keep the program as affordable as possible while still meeting our financial obligations like rent, supplies, registration fees. FTC students will be asked to contribute:
$30/year in dues to 4-H
$70/year in dues to CentreSTEM, the organization that hosts our meeting space
Additional voluntary donations to CentreSTEM to support our ongoing mission are encouraged. Visit centrestem.org/donate for more information on this.
How can parents support the program? We love involved parents! Parents can help out in a variety of ways:
Technical mentors
Non-technical support mentors
Fundraising
Help out the day of the competition
How do I know if I should sign up for FTC or FRC if I have a high school student? New this year, we are running one or more "Advanced" squads for high school students who choose to compete in FTC and not FRC, our high school-only club. Our goal with these "Advanced" FTC teams is to develop more advanced skills in areas like CAD and programming and inspire our younger FTC students to see what's possible with more experience. FRC provides a more intense, shorter build and competition season in the spring with a higher time commitment and more travel. If you are unsure which is the best program to choose, please contact both Vivian Servey (vivian.servey@gmail.com) and Bill Jester (billjester3@gmail.com) so we can help you decide. You are also welcome to visit both clubs before choosing.
How can I sign up for the club? If this all sounds good to you, click the button below to officially sign up. Space is limited, so please sign up as soon as possible. Students are encouraged to try out the club through the summer then make a firm commitment by the season kickoff on September 12.
What if I have questions? Contact Vivian Servey at vivian.servey@gmail.com .