FIRST® Robotics Competition

Most teams are associated with high schools and follow the academic calendar, similar to a year-round sport with team meetings after school.

Although recruiting is open year-round, most teams focus on recruiting efforts when school resumes after the summer break. Team meetings typically start in the fall as occasional or weekly meetings. Business concepts, build practice and orientation occur at this time. Teams also work on award submissions.

Build Season

The new game is released during a kickoff event in early January and teams begin to build in earnest. Teams meet multiple times weekly working on the robot build, programming, strategy, and business plan. This period lasts about 10 weeks or until the team’s first regional competition.

Competition

The annual registration fee includes participation in one official regional competition. Teams can attend additional regional competitions. Colorado FIRST organizes a regional competition to give all teams the opportunity to compete in their home region. Although many teams travel out of state to attend additional regionals, we encourage every team to compete in at least one local event. Local regionals occur in March, with about six teams advancing from each to attend the FIRST Championship in Houston in late April.

Regional competitions in the Colorado FIRST region provide a full tournament experience complete with the official FIRST field, Student Ambassadors, Scholarship and Sponsorship Row, opening and closing ceremonies, high-octane lights, professional DJ, and more.

Teams also may participate in off-season events to strategize, hone their skills, learn new technology, meet other teams, and have fun!

Any organization can start a team. 

Check your local school first to see if a team already exists or if there is interest in starting one. Some teams accept students from other schools, so also check the section below to see teams operating nearby.

Although FIRST does not match students with existing teams or provide team contact information for several reasons, here are some ways to connect with others:

• Volunteer at FIRST events to meet coaches and mentors

• Share the FIRST for Educators with your school to encourage the formation of new teams

• Post on our Facebook Page and ask if coaches have openings.

Costs for forming a FIRST Robotics Competition team can vary. Annual fees for team registration, event registration and the robot kit of parts, and event participation run $5,000 -$6,000 ($6000 for a new team).  This fee is paid directly to FIRST headquarters.

Additional costs for travel, food, team shirts, equipment and machinery, shop supplies, building materials and stock, and other optional items will vary by team.

Teams raise funds in varied ways. Many teams offer STEM workshops and camps for a fee.  Some create small businesses as part of their team business plan. Some use traditional fundraising ideas such as pancake breakfasts and leaf raking.  Many apply for grants and some get support from their school district or foundation. Some receive donations from area companies, especially those where mentors are employed.

Most team budgets in our area range from $8,000 to $50,000 annually.  Team sizes also vary widely, ranging from eight to 50 students.

Like any sport or other after-school activity, the more time you invest, the better you will become.

Typically, teams meet several times per week during the build and competition season (January-April). During the season, the pressure is on, so be prepared to also spend some nights and weekends helping your team. Many longstanding teams also meet throughout the school year, and some compete in off-season events during the summer.

FIRST Robotics Competition operates during the school year.  Although some teams meet in the summer and all teams organize and register in the fall, the “official season” begins early in January when the season’s challenge is announced at a kickoff ceremony. From that point, teams work on their robot right up until their first competition.

Regional competitions start in late February and continue through April. Winning teams from regional competitions are invited to compete at a global FIRST Championship at the end of April.

Contact us!

Contact us for ideas to help you bring the FIRST Robotics Competition program to your students. Use the form in the sidebar to let us know you’re interested or contact Debbie English, Colorado FIRST Program Delivery Partner.

You’ll be surprised how simple and rewarding it is to bring this inspiring program to your school or organization.

Many colleges and universities, professional associations, and corporations offer college scholarships to high school students on FIRST teams. This is official recognition of the knowledge and technical and life skills these students have gained from participating in a FIRST competitions. In addition, FIRST impacts admittance into highly competitive STEM programs.

Colleges and organizations in our area that offer FIRST scholarships will be present at our FIRST Robotics Competition Tournaments at a “Scholarship Row” so students can talk to them firsthand.

To learn more about post-secondary STEM programs and scholarship opportunities, check the links below. 

FIRST Scholarships

Career and Post-Secondary Websites