FIRST Robotics Competition (High-School Ages)
FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) is a unique varsity sport of the mind designed to help high-school-aged young people discover how interesting and rewarding the life of engineers and researchers can be.
The FIRST Robotics Competition challenges teams of young people and their mentors to solve a common problem in a six-week timeframe using a standard "kit of parts" and a common set of rules. Teams build robots from the parts and enter them in competitions designed by Dean Kamen, Dr. Woodie Flowers, and a committee of engineers and other professionals.
FIRST redefines winning for these students because they are rewarded for excellence in design, demonstrated team spirit, gracious professionalism and maturity, and the ability to overcome obstacles. Scoring the most points is a secondary goal. Winning means building partnerships that last.
What is unique about the FRC program?
- It is a sport where the participants play with the pros and learn from them
- Designing and building a robot is a fascinating real-world professional experience
- Competing on stage brings participants as much excitement and adrenaline rush as conventional varsity tournaments
- The game rules are a surprise every year
“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.
Student participants get to:
- Learn from professional engineers
- Build and compete with a robot of their own design
- Learn and use sophisticated software and hardware
- Compete and cooperate in alliances and tournaments
- Earn a place to compete in the World Championship
- Qualify for over $11 million in college scholarships
Connecticut hosts the largest and longest running FIRST Robotics Competition Regional event in New England. The 2010 Northeast Utilities Connecticut Regional will be held April 2-3, 2010 at the Connecticut Convention Center.
To learn more about the FIRST Robotics Competition or to start a team, visit FRC on the FIRST website.
There are 36 teams in Connecticut registered to participate in the 2010 FIRST Robotics Competition.
*2010 projected program participation
Questions? Want to get involved?
Visit: FRC on the FIRST website
Contact: Michael Sperber, CT Regional Chairman
Contact: Sue Glasspiegel, CT FIRST Regional Director
CT FIRST is Connecticut’s planning and operating organization for FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology).
