FIRST^® Tech Challenge

FIRST^® Tech Challenge is way more than building robots. FIRST Tech Challenge teams (up to 15 team members, grades 7-12) are challenged to design, build, program, and operate robots to compete in a head-to-head challenge in an alliance format.

Guided by adult coaches and mentors, students develop STEM skills and practice engineering principles, while realizing the value of hard work, innovation, and working as a team.

The robot kit is reusable from year to year and can be coded using a variety of levels of Java-based programming. Teams design and build robots, raise funds, design and market their team brand, and do community outreach to earn specific awards. Participants are eligible to apply for $80M+ in college scholarships.

The really cool thing about FIRST Tech Challenge is being part of a team. All skill levels are welcomed and needed, technical and non-technical. Teams need all kinds of skills to succeed, so what are you good at? Chances are we have a job for you. And we’ll probably teach you a few new ones while you’re with us. Student and adult team members are encouraged to bring any skills they already have, like programming, electronics, metalworking, graphic design, web creation, public speaking, videography, and many more. FIRST Tech Challenge welcomes every student, with or without special skills.

The FIRST Tech Challenge season starts in May, when teams generally form and registration opens. Season kick-off is in early September when the season’s game is announced. The design and build season runs from September to January. Generally, tournament season for Colorado begins as early as January and February. Qualifying Tournaments advance teams to a State Championship Tournament, and winners earn spots at FIRST Championship at the end of April. There are also many off-season events where teams participate, strategize, hone their skills, learn new technology, meet other teams, and have fun!

As a first step, we recommend checking with your local school to see if a team exists or if there is interest in starting one. In 2018-19, 78 percent of Colorado regional teams were affiliated with a high school or middle school. The remaining teams were family/friends/neighbors, homeschool groups or youth organizations.

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

We recommend checking with your local school to see if a team exists or if there is interest in starting one and with the high school team from your district. Some other options:

• Start your own team; no experience is needed
• Volunteer at FIRST events to meet coaches and mentors
• Share the FIRST for Educators with your school to encourage formation of new teams
• Post on our Facebook Page and ask if coaches have openings

For more help finding a team, contact Paree Gregg, Colorado FIRST Programs Director.

New teams can expect to budget approximately $2,500 for their first year.  Grant information can be  found at  FIRST Tech Challenge grants. Successive years cost approximately $700. Teams can divide costs among members or secure grants and sponsorships.

First year costs include (prices shown from 2023-2024 season):

• Team registration – $295
• Control and Electrical Bundle – $600
• Robot parts: Individual parts pricing varies or Start-up Sets available $495 – $750 depending on option chosen
• Yearly Game Field Set (OPTIONAL) – $460 full field/$290 half field (plus shipping)
• Field Perimeter Kit and Soft Tiles (OPTIONAL) – $918 (plus shipping)
• Snacks, T-shirts, and travel costs – $400
• In Person Qualifier Tournament entry fee – $175
• Remote Qualifier Tournament entry fee – $50
• Colorado Championship tournament entry fee (if team qualifies) – $200
• NOTE: Teams also need access to a laptop for programming

The robot robot control system, control and communication set, robot parts and field perimeter/soft tiles can be used year after year, but fees for team registration and the challenge set apply each season. See additional information from FIRST.

Teams have about 15 weeks between the challenge release and the season’s first Qualifying Tournament in January. The coach and team can determine just how much time to dedicate. Some teams work on skill building year-round; others may only meet once or twice a week before their event. Because teamwork is so important, parents should arrange to have their child attend most, if not all, team meetings.

Each team attends a full-day Qualification Tournament for a chance to advance to the Colorado State Championship Tournament, which is also a full-day event. Teams can qualify for the FIRST World Championship in Houston, Texas from the Colorado State Championship.

FIRST Tech Challenge opens for registration in May thought the FIRST website with the global season concluding in April. (See timeline from FIRST headquarters here.) 

Colorado qualifiers generally take place in January and early February (register through the ColoradoFIRST website).  Each team can attend more than one qualifier. Teams have a chance to advance to the Colorado State Championship generally held in February. Teams can then qualify from the Colorado State Championship to the FIRST World Championship in Houston, Texas which is generally held in April.

Contact us!

Contact us for ideas to help you bring the FIRST Tech Challenge program to your students. Use the form in the side bar to let us know you’re interested or contact Paree Gregg, Colorado FIRST Programs Director.

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