The FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) 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 are challenged to design, build, and program robots to perform prescribed tasks against a field of competitors. They are also responsible for designing a team "brand," honing teamwork skills, and marketing themselves as a whole. 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 hosted by the STEM Academy, the FIRST family of programs inspires young people to be science and technology leaders while building engineering and technology skills.
You Provide:
- Completed application
- Copy of current school grades.
Incomplete applications cannot be processed.
Eligibility:
- Must be between the ages of 14-18 and/or entering the 10th-12th grade(s).
- Preference is given to those who have had at least one year experience of FTC (FIRST Tech Challenge.)
Other Information:
- Deadline to apply is December 15.
FRC team meetings are after school, typically three nights a week (5-8 p.m.) and are hosted at the STEM Academy. Please contact STEM Academy at (580) 272-5579 for additional details.
Students have the opportunity to:
- Design, build and program robots
- Apply real-world math and science concepts
- Develop problem-solving, organizational and team-building skills
- Compete and cooperate in alliances and tournaments
- Contend for a place in the World Championship
- Qualify for college scholarships through FIRST