FTC is a subsection of FIRST that works to teach young teens about STEM and teamwork by building robots. Students divide into subteams based on personal interests where they can CAD, Build, Design, or Program the robot. There’s also media and business, which work to keep the team running.
FTC teams can range from 2-15 students with at least 2 mentors per team. Schools can have multiple teams. At any point that you’re considering starting an FTC team, contact the HVA RoHAWKtics so we can help you through it!
Financials
Most teams can expect a cost of $3,000 to start a new team. However, this cost is significantly reduced after the first year due to having a reusable robot. Not to mention, the HVA RoHAWKtics are dedicated to helping new teams through all financial obstacles.
Mentorship
Every team needs two or more mentors. Mentors do not have to have any prior knowledge or experience with robots or FIRST, but must be willing to learn alongside their students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is needed to start a team?
A: Gather support resources: checking material on the FIRST website, contact your regions Program Delivery Partner or FIRST senior Mentor.
Enlist coaches and mentors, each team needs two or more adult coaches/mentors who are willing to coach the team through build and competition, help with fundraising, community outreach, technical skills, and other tasks.
Register and pay, once part of FIRST’s community. FIRST will start to communicate with you along with a temporary team number in preparation for event registration in autumn. Part of registration is ordering the kit of parts and completing payment.
Build your team with a maximum of 15. Be sure to emphasize that no technological skills are required, just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. All kinds of skills are important, not just engineering and electrical.
Fundraising is integral for your team to stay afloat. Recruit local businesses to sponsor you, some already have a relationship with FIRST. Look for grants for rookie teams.Review mentor and team resources.
Q: When can a team register?
A: Teams can register throughout the year, but it’s better to get the team registered in the spring/summer and all the equipment ordered over the summer. Kick-off is in early September and competitions start in November.
Q: How much does it cost to start a team?
A: $295 per team. Other expenses can range from $2,250-$5,000 such as parts.
Q: What is needed to host a FIRST robotics regional competition
A: Funding ($150,000-$200,000) raised from corporations, foundations, individuals, and administrations. Volunteers to organize, raise funds, recrute new teams and support the competition itself (judges, referees, announcers, security, ect.)
Q: What sub-teams can an FTC team have?
A: Build, CAD, fabrication, impact, media, programming, strategy, etc. Teams may have different subteams depending on their size.
Q: What does a coach/mentor do?
A: Teach others what you know, learn alongside the members, and build up the skills of the students to be successful in both robotics and in their future aspirations.
Q: How frequently would we meet?
A: Once or twice a week for 2-3 hours.
Q: How big and/or little can the team be?
A: A maximum of 15 and minimum of 2.