We Need YOU on the Team
Not a "STEM kid"? Perfect. We need photographers, writers, strategists, builders, organizers, and everything in between. Every skill matters.
Who Can Join?
Any student in grades 6-9. Seriously. If you want to be part of something bigger than yourself, there's a spot for you.
FIRST Tech Challenge isn't just about building robots. It takes videographers, social media managers, writers, graphic designers, project managers, public speakers, fundraisers, scouts, strategists — and yes, people who want to turn wrenches too.
The Only Requirements
- Student in grades 6-9
- Show up — commitment matters
- Be willing to learn — we'll teach the rest
- Be a good teammate — respect goes both ways
What You DON'T Need
- Prior robotics or coding experience
- Straight A's in math or science
- To know what you want to do yet
- To be a "STEM person"
Time Commitment
Pre-Season (Late Summer)
Lighter schedule focused on training, team building, and getting to know the new season's game.
- Meetings: 1-2 times per week
- Duration: 2 hours per meeting
- Focus: Skills training, team building
Build Season (Fall)
The most active period — this is when we design, build, and program the robot!
- Meetings: 2-3 times per week
- Duration: 2-3 hours per meeting
- Weekends: Occasional build days
Competition Season (Winter)
FIRST Tech Challenge qualifiers and league meets are typically single-day or weekend events. These are full-day commitments, and if we advance, there are additional events.
Find Your Role
A great FTC team needs all of these roles filled. We're looking for students in every area — especially the non-technical roles that often go overlooked.
Mechanical
Design and build the robot's structure, drivetrain, and mechanisms using CAD and hand tools.
Electrical
Wire the robot, manage the battery and motors, install sensors, and keep systems reliable.
Programming
Write the code that drives the robot and runs its autonomous routines (Blocks or Java).
Strategy & Scouting
Analyze other teams, plan match strategy, and help make smart alliance decisions.
Business & Marketing
Handle sponsorships, social media, the Engineering Portfolio, and team branding.
Media & Documentation
Capture photos and video, document the build in the Engineering Notebook, and tell our story.
Costs & Fees
Robotics has real costs — registration, parts, and competition fees — but we work hard to keep it affordable for families. Team fees help cover those expenses, and fundraising and sponsorships carry the rest.
Important: No student will be turned away due to inability to pay. Scholarships and payment plans are available — just ask.
Contact us for current season fee information.
Don't Wait — Reach Out Today
We're forming our first crew now. The sooner you join, the more you'll learn and the more impact you'll have. Email us — we respond fast.
tie-dye-jedi@stemplusc.org
Information for Parents
FIRST Tech Challenge is a meaningful commitment that offers real benefits for students in grades 6-9: hands-on engineering experience, problem-solving and teamwork skills, and a supportive, mentor-guided community.
All activities are supervised by background-checked adult mentors. Safety is a priority — students receive training on tool use, and protective equipment is required.
We encourage parents to get involved! Many parents help with logistics, mentoring, and team operations.
Questions? Reach out at tie-dye-jedi@stemplusc.org.