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Ages 12-18 | Grades 7-12
Get Started with FIRST® Tech Challenge
Students ages 12-18 (grades 7-12) design and build a competitive, dynamic robot from a kit of parts. A yearly themed robotics game brings a new challenge and exciting learning opportunities to collaborate and problem-solve year after year.
Here’s what you need to know
Explore team details, materials, and resources available to support your FIRST Tech Challenge experience.
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Who do I need on my team?
Who do I need on my team?
Anyone can join FIRST Tech Challenge regardless of previous technical experience. While there is no ideal number of students on a team, we find many teams include 8-12 students in grades 7-12. Each team needs two adult lead coaches to help guide the team throughout the season.
- Required: Two (2) lead coaches who facilitate the season and manage the team.
- Required: Students with a variety of talents – no technical experience required!
- Optional: Additional mentors who support the team (parents, teachers, engineers, FIRST alumni)
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What do I need?
What do I need?
Every team is required to have a robotics kit to participate, which can be ordered through the FIRST Storefront or purchased from other vendors. Many elements of the kit can be reused each year, but some parts may need to be replaced after a season.
- Required: Driver Kit
- Required: REV Robotics Control Hub
- Required: Build Kit
- Required: Laptop or tablet
- Optional: Season-specific Game Set
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How much does it cost?
How much does it cost?
You can start your FIRST Tech Challenge team for around $1,800, which includes the yearly registration fee and initial robotics set investment. Local events, run by FIRST Program Delivery Partners, are not included with the registration fee.
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What resources are available?
What resources are available?
In addition to free courses available in FIRST Training, team management, robot building, programming, and more resources will help you guide your team throughout the season.
Who do I need on my team?
Anyone can join FIRST Tech Challenge regardless of previous technical experience. While there is no ideal number of students on a team, we find many teams include 8-12 students in grades 7-12. Each team needs two adult lead coaches to help guide the team throughout the season.
- Required: Two (2) lead coaches who facilitate the season and manage the team.
- Required: Students with a variety of talents – no technical experience required!
- Optional: Additional mentors who support the team (parents, teachers, engineers, FIRST alumni)
What do I need?
Every team is required to have a robotics kit to participate, which can be ordered through the FIRST Storefront or purchased from other vendors. Many elements of the kit can be reused each year, but some parts may need to be replaced after a season.
- Required: Driver Kit
- Required: REV Robotics Control Hub
- Required: Build Kit
- Required: Laptop or tablet
- Optional: Season-specific Game Set
How much does it cost?
You can start your FIRST Tech Challenge team for around $1,800, which includes the yearly registration fee and initial robotics set investment. Local events, run by FIRST Program Delivery Partners, are not included with the registration fee.
What resources are available?
In addition to free courses available in FIRST Training, team management, robot building, programming, and more resources will help you guide your team throughout the season.
Registration Details
How do I register?
Teams in the United States, Canada, and Mexico register and pay their season registration fee through the FIRST Dashboard*. Gather your Sales Tax Exemption Certificate (if applicable) and be prepared to add it to your Dashboard during the registration process.
Event participation is not included in the season registration fee and event availability varies by region.
*If you’re outside the United States, Canada, and Mexico, find local support to learn about registration options.
Steps to Register in the FIRST Dashboard
If you’re based in the United States, Canada, or Mexico, these are the steps to complete your registration.
- Create a FIRST account (or login if you already have an account).
- From the "My Teams" screen in the FIRST Dashboard, click the "Create a New Team" button and select FIRST Tech Challenge to start your team.
- Click "Go to FIRST Storefront" to add items to your cart and checkout.
- Don’t forget! Reach out to your FIRST Program Delivery Partner to register for local events (local event registration fees are set and collected by the Partner).
Ready to get started?
Register for our current season in the FIRST Dashboard* or sign up to learn more about FIRST Tech Challenge.
*If you’re outside of the United States, Canada, or Mexico, find local support to learn about registration options.