What is FRC?
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?
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It is a sport where the participants play
with the pros and learn from them
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Designing and building a robot is a
fascinating real-world professional experience
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Competing on stage brings participants as
much excitement and adrenaline rush as conventional varsity
tournaments
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The game rules are a surprise every year
How Does FRC Work?
The FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC)
stages short games played by remote-controlled robots. The robots are
designed and built in 6 weeks (out of a common set of basic parts) by
a team of 10 to 20 high-school-aged young people and a handful of
engineers-mentors. The students pilot the robots on the field. Each
school year, teams are formed in the fall. Competitions take place in
March and April. FRC Regional events are typically held in university
arenas. They involve 40 to 70 teams cheered by thousands of fans over
three days. A championship event caps the season. Referees oversee the
competition and Judges present awards to teams for design, technology,
sportsmanship and commitment to FIRST. The Chairman’s Award
is FIRST’ s highest honor.
What is needed to start a team:
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A few engineers or other professional
volunteers (3 to 6) encouraged by their company’s senior
management
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10 to 20 high-school-aged young people led by
an adult mentor, ideally supported by the school and a group of
parent volunteers
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About $10,000 to participate in 1 Regional
competition. Obtain funding from a single company, a group of
companies and/or through school fund-raising efforts
What is needed to host an FRC Regional
Competition:
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Funding ($150,000 to $200,000) raised from
corporations, foundations, individuals and Administrations
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Volunteers to organize, raise funds, recruit
new teams and support the competition itself (judges, referees,
announcers, security, etc.)
What has been accomplished to date:
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Since 1989, FRC has grown from 28 teams
involved to over 1,300 today
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87% of the high schools and their company
mentors have stayed involved year after year
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The positive impact on student interest in
engineering is proven
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Participants have learned the great value of
teamwork, self-starting, character, time-management, speed, etc.
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In most schools, participation in FRC has had a
broad positive impact beyond the team itself.
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Volunteers enjoy participation year after year
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The major media provide coverage of FIRST
and the impact of FRC
