FTC Robotics (FIRST Tech Challenge)
FTC is an international robotics competition for middle and high school students where teams design, build, and program robots to compete in a new, game-based challenge each season. Participants develop skills in engineering, coding, teamwork, and problem-solving while following real-world design processes and promoting innovation, creativity, and gracious professionalism.
FTC Mission
To inspire innovation and prepare young generation for real life challenges with confidence.
Getting Started with FTC Robotics
FTC program is open to students from grades 7-12. No prior experience is needed. Each year there are kickoff events in each region around September. Attending these events is a good start point to find a team. Alternatively, attending FTC tech clubs events in local high schools will also help.
How to start a Team
Teams can be school based, if your school has established clubs or it can be community based. Community based teams can be formed by a group of parents. Team size is typically 6-15. It is better to aim for a manageable team size. The team needs at least one coach (teacher, parent, engineer or a community volunteer). The coach needs to officially register team with FTC (First Tech Challenge). Once registration fee is paid, team will be assigned an official FTC team number.
Learn More at https://www.firstinspires.org/programs/ftc/