The FIRST (FRC) Robotics Competition is a sport of the mind designed to help high school students discover the interesting and rewarding life of engineers and researchers. The competition challenges teams of students and mentors to solve a common problem by designing and building a robot in a six-week time frame using a standard kit of parts and a common set of rules. To compete, students must focus on design; demonstrate team spirit, professionalism, maturity and the ability to overcome obstacles.

"The varsity Sport for the Mind," FRC combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. Under strict rules, limited resources, and time limits, teams of 25 students or more are challenged to raise funds, design a team "brand," hone teamwork skills, and build and program robots to perform prescribed tasks against a field of competitors. It’s as close to "real-world engineering" as a student can get. Volunteer professional mentors lend their time and talents to guide each team.

As one of the many programs housed in the 7,000 square foot Science, Technology and Math Academy, the FIRST family of programs inspires young people to be science and technology leaders and build engineering and technology skills.

• Students between 15 and 18 years old, with previous robotics experience.