FIRST Robotics Competition

Quick Glance: The FIRST Robotics Competition bring together teams of high school students from across the country and unites them in competition through a series of events and challenges. Find a club near you to get involved and compete.

Key Highlights:

  • Location: Teams and competitions are located across Canada and the US.

  • Eligibility: Ages 14-18

  • Fees: $100 to join an already existing team.

  • Website: https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/frc

Overview:

Combining the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. We call FIRST Robotics Competition the ultimate Sport for the Mind. High-school student participants call it “the hardest fun you’ll ever have.”

Under strict rules, limited time and resources, teams of students are challenged to raise funds, design a team "brand," hone teamwork skills, and build and program industrial-size robots to play a difficult field game against like-minded 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. Each season ends with an exciting FIRST Championship.

**Last updated January 2024 (description taken from the program’s website)

Testimonial

The following testimonial was submitted by Gianfranco, from Barrie, Ontario. They answered the following key questions. Gianfranco rates this program a 9 out of 10.

What stood out about this opportunity that makes it such a unique experience worthy of being part of The Collection?

You were able to learn stem skills, and apply them firsthand, by building your own robot. There is also a unique business side to most teams, where people on your team will need to be allocated to fundraising, and advertising. You also learn how to work with others, and learn many other skills that you can apply to all areas of life, and potential careers.

What is something a youth attending this opportunity should know?

There is a large time commitment. Depending on your own team’s structure, to may need to work on your robot 2-5 times per week. It will also feel overwhelming initially, but you will get used to it as you get more familiar with the organization and your teammates.

What was your favourite activity/experience of the opportunity?

Competing with other teams from around the world, and seeing many different strategies to accomplish the same problem.

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