FIRST Tech Challenge

FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is designed for those who want to compete head-to-head, using a sports model. Teams of up to 10 students are responsible for designing, building, and programming their robots to compete in an alliance format against other teams. The robot kit is reusable from year-to-year and is programmed using a variety of languages. Teams, including coaches, mentors and volunteers, are required to develop strategy and build robots based on sound engineering principles. Awards are given for the competition as for well as for community outreach, design, and other real-world accomplishments.

You Provide

• Completed application, including the following:
  • Copy of school grades (last grade report received)
  • Student homework assignment (written or typed)
    • How has COVID-19 impacted you?
    • Describe the top five things you have learned during the pandemic and/or how we can help make the world a safer place.
  • Application must be submitted by parent/legal guardian.
    • (Guardianship paperwork may be required if applicable.)

Note: incomplete applications cannot be processed.

Eligibility

• Chickasaw preference
• No previous robotics experience required
• Entering 9^th-12^th grade

Other Information

Deadline to apply is Aug. 31

Team Qualifications:

If selected, students must comply with the team handbook including, but not limited to, the guidelines below:

• Guidelines subject to change due to COVID-19.
• Team sizes are kept small to have better interaction with the project and are filled on a first come, first served, basis.
• Student must choose between FTC or FRC; concurrent rosters and/or applications will not be accepted
• Student must attend at least 60 percent of all meetings and functions. If attendance falls below 60 percent, student will be put on a watch list and dropped from the team if no improvements are made.
• Students are expected to help with all team activities. Each member plays a vital role in the success of their team.
• All team members and parents must register online with FIRST, and complete a consent and release form.

​Team Meetings/Events:

• This is an after school program that meets Monday AND Thursday evenings from 5:30-8 p.m.
• Our season length varies, but usually begins in September and ends in the spring.
• Competitions typically take place Saturdays, and you will be notified prior to each event.
• Parent involvement is welcome.

Travel Qualifications:

• Students will need to demonstrate a high level of dedication to the ideals of FIRST, the Chickasaw Nation STEM Academy and their team.
• Students must submit grade reports prior to any event, before the posted deadline. To be eligible for travel, student must have a minimum current GPA of 2.75 (or equivalent), with no ‘D’ or ‘F’ letter grades (or equivalent).
• To be eligible for travel (to first qualifying event), students must have at least six hours of community service through our program, eight hours total by the next event, accumulating additional time in two hour blocks as the season progresses, etc.
  • Volunteer hours through student’s school or other extracurricular activities, do not count toward this. Outreach opportunities will be provided throughout the season, including the Chickasaw Nation Annual Meeting and Festival Parade.
• Student will need to wear their team shirt (provided), and khaki pants (not provided), during all team events and qualifiers.
• Overnight stays are rare, but may be required during some of our events throughout the season.
• No student is automatically included on the travel team. Members must comply with the guidelines above in order to earn a spot on the travel team.