FIRST Tech Challenge students develop valuable engineering and problem-solving skills as they design, build, and program their own robots to complete a series of tasks. In addition to building technical knowledge, students also practice communication and presentation skills by sharing their journey with a panel of judges. They openly discuss both their successes and the obstacles they’ve encountered, reflecting on what they’ve learned and how they’ve grown as a team and as individuals.

FTC teams place a strong emphasis not only on robotics and engineering, but also on building meaningful connections through community outreach and forming partnerships with local businesses and organizations. Students take the initiative to reach out to their communities in creative and impactful ways—whether by hosting events, giving demonstrations, or mentoring younger students. They also learn how to approach corporate sponsors, present their team’s mission, and build professional relationships that support their goals. Through these experiences, students develop leadership, communication, and advocacy skills while sharing their passion for STEM and spreading the excitement of FIRST robotics to others around them.

Students learn how to collaborate effectively with teammates, combining their individual strengths to achieve common goals. They quickly discover the importance of communication, time management, and teamwork as they work together to accomplish a great deal within the short, fast-paced season. Through this experience, they build strong relationships, overcome challenges as a group, and learn how much can be achieved when everyone contributes and supports one another.