FRC Information Page

FIRST Robotics Competitions (FRC) are high-energy, international robotics competitions for high school students, organized by FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). These competitions combine engineering, teamwork, and innovation with real-world problem-solving and sports-like excitement.

🔧 What Is FRC?

Founded by: Dean Kamen in 1989
Age group: High school students (typically ages 14–18)
Season: Annually, starting in January with a Kickoff Event, and culminating in regional, national, and international championships (like the FIRST Championship)

🤖 The Competition Format

Game Reveal: Each season features a new game with a unique theme, goals, and field layout (e.g., stacking blocks, launching balls, balancing on platforms).
Build Season: Teams use provided parts (plus custom components) to build a ~125 lb robot.
Regional Events: Teams compete in local qualifiers, aiming to advance to higher-level events.
Championship: The top teams from around the world compete in divisions, then face off in an intense final round.

🔍 Match Overview

3 vs. 3 Alliances: Matches consist of alliances of 3 teams each.
Autonomous Period (15 sec): Robots run pre-programmed instructions.
Teleoperated Period (2 min 15 sec): Drivers control the robots.
Endgame: Robots perform final tasks (like climbing structures or docking).

👨‍🔧 What Students Learn

Mechanical design & CAD
Programming (Java, C++, Python, etc.)
Electrical systems
Project management
Teamwork and communication
Outreach and fundraising

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Besides winning matches, teams can earn prestigious awards like:

Chairman’s Award (now called the Impact Award): Honors teams that best embody the mission of FIRST.
Engineering Inspiration Award
Rookie All-Star
Safety Award

💡 Core Values

FRC promotes:

Gracious Professionalism: Compete hard but treat others with respect.
Coopertition®: Helping opponents even in the heat of competition.

🌍 Global Impact

Thousands of teams from over 25 countries
Supported by mentors, sponsors (NASA, Google, Boeing, etc.), and volunteers
A launching pad for careers in STEM, business, and leadership