What is FRC?

FRC stands for FIRST Robotics Competition. It is a worldwide high school robotics program organized by FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). FRC is a team-based engineering program that combines sports, competition, science, and technology. FRC challenges students to design, build, program, and operate advanced robots to perform specific tasks in a themed annual game.

How It Works:

Every year in early January, FIRST announces the theme or challenge for the annual season. The challenge consists of a set of objectives that robots must complete. This includes game pieces, scoring, official rules, field design, and competition objects. After the announcement, teams have six weeks to design and construct their robots. Teams use professional-grade tools and techniques to build their robots. The build process requires students to apply engineering principles, computer programming, electronics, and mechanical design.

Once the build season ends, teams participate in regional, district, and championship events. During these competition there are rounds known as “qualifications.” During each of these qualifications a team is randomly assigned one of two sides, blue alliance or red alliance. The blue and red alliances each consist of three teams. When the match starts, robots operate autonomously for part of the match, and are controlled by student drivers for the remainder. Alliances have to coordinate and work together to score points using field elements, which change every season.

In addition to robot performance, teams are judged on aspects like creativity, engineering design, outreach, teamwork, and community impact. Prestigious awards, such as the Chairman’s Award, celebrate a team’s efforts to spread STEM awareness and inspire others.

Core Values and Skills Developed:

FRC emphasizes Gracious Professionalism® and Coopertition®, encouraging participants to compete hard while respecting others and sharing knowledge. Students develop technical skills like CAD design, programming, and machining, as well as soft skills such as teamwork, leadership, and public speaking.

Global Reach:

Since its founding in 1992 by inventor and entrepreneur Dean Kamen, FRC has grown to include thousands of teams from countries worldwide. Competitions foster a global community where students collaborate with mentors from academia and industry.

Impact:

FRC is more than just building robots—it aims to inspire students to pursue STEM careers, foster creativity, and build confidence. Alumni often credit FRC for igniting their passion for engineering and technology and preparing them for professional success.

FRC embodies the spirit of innovation, teamwork, and lifelong learning, making it one of the premier STEM programs for high school students.