FIRST Tech Challenge let students tap into their passion and talent in STEM. Robotics teams design, build, code, and drive robots in an alliance competition against other teams. FIRST stands for For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, which perfectly represents the purpose of this group. The mission and goal of "FIRST® is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering, and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership." FIRST robotics programs are for young people, aged 4-18, to discover themselves and learn more about STEM. FIRST Robotics is supported globally by sponsors, volunteers, and teachers that enable the research, fundraising, designing, building, and production of the team's achievements during annual robotics competitions. FIRST Tech is an international non-profit organization funded in 1989 by inventor Dean Kamen, and has positively impacted STEM learning, interests, and skill-building in many young people.
North Carolina FIRST Tech typically has a total of seven Qualifying Tournaments from January to February across the state, and each FTC team has the possibility of participating in two FTC competitions. The teams moving on to the NC FTC State Championship are announced at the end of the tournament day. Most of the qualifying tournaments will be capped at a maximum of 24 teams. There is the opportunity to receive awards at the competitions. Every team is judged at the Qualifier and the State level, and teams can win awards in multiple categories.
The FTC Season Challenge for 2022-2023 is 'Powerplay' as presented by Raytheon Technologies. Here is a short summary from NC FIRST's website: "FIRST® Tech Challenge encourages teams to design, build, program, and engage in thrilling robotics competitions. Guided by adult coaches and mentors, students develop STEM skills and practice engineering principles, while realizing the value of innovation and teamwork. The reusable robot kit can be coded using a variety of programming languages. Students are encouraged to create team identities and be an ambassador for FIRST and STEM in their communities.
In the POWERPLAY℠ presented by Raytheon Technologies challenge, FIRST Tech Challenge teams will compete in an energy-driven game and test the limits of performance, efficiency, and endurance as they power their innovations forward."
North Carolina FIRST Tech typically has a total of seven Qualifying Tournaments from January to February across the state, and each FTC team has the possibility of participating in two FTC competitions. The teams moving on to the NC FTC State Championship are announced at the end of the tournament day. Most of the qualifying tournaments will be capped at a maximum of 24 teams. There is the opportunity to receive awards at the competitions. Every team is judged at the Qualifier and the State level, and teams can win awards in multiple categories.
The FTC Season Challenge for 2022-2023 is 'Powerplay' as presented by Raytheon Technologies. Here is a short summary from NC FIRST's website: "FIRST® Tech Challenge encourages teams to design, build, program, and engage in thrilling robotics competitions. Guided by adult coaches and mentors, students develop STEM skills and practice engineering principles, while realizing the value of innovation and teamwork. The reusable robot kit can be coded using a variety of programming languages. Students are encouraged to create team identities and be an ambassador for FIRST and STEM in their communities.
In the POWERPLAY℠ presented by Raytheon Technologies challenge, FIRST Tech Challenge teams will compete in an energy-driven game and test the limits of performance, efficiency, and endurance as they power their innovations forward."
