Now in its 25th season, FRC is a varsity sport of the mind that combines the fun of competition with learning real-world skills. In this program, high school students are given approximately six weeks to construct a working robot that completes an assigned challenge. FRC team members have the opportunity to use tools and programs employed by professionals in the engineering, computer programming, and electrical fields. But, it’s not all about the robot. Students also learn teamwork and leadership in group situations, skills that will help them long after high school
A mid-level competition, FIRST Tech Challenge robots are built with the same energy and challenge of FRC, but with more affordable robot kits and smaller high school teams in mind.
FIRST LEGO® League (FLL) is a fun and exciting global FIRST competition for children ages 9-14. With the help of coaches and high school mentors, kids learn how to solve real-world problems based on the current year’s science theme. Team members build a completely autonomous robot which they will later use to compete with local, state, and even international teams. Kids also research and present their solution to a pressing science issue such as ocean pollution, alternative energy, or even missions to Mars.
Jr.FLL or Junior FIRST LEGO® League is the introductory FIRST program available for children ages 6-9. With guidance from coaches, kids build a model and presentation based on the year’s challenge. Kids will show off their work at a local FLL event and every member receives a medal for participation. This low-key and very encouraging program is a great head-start for kids interested in FLL.