FIRST Robotics Competitions Run on Excitement and Dedication

Picture this: You are given a list of resource materials, clearly defined rules, and six weeks to complete an engineering challenge you've never seen before. You're then matched up with others a group that must raise the funds to pay for the materials and trip to the competition, design a team brand, determine your approach in tandem with your teammates. Then you get to build industrial-size robots that will go head-to-head with other teams who are just as ready as you are to win that championship trophy. And if you win, you have a shot of going to a major national event with your team. Excited? You bet.

Competitions are organized by four levels, each designed to provoke curiosity and inspire amazing solution routes for students across the K-12 spectrum. ​Together with their adult mentors and volunteers, participants aspire to win a spot at the national expo for their level. But most importantly, they just want to have fun!

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The Next Competition
Off Season Demonstration
Wendell A. Barwood ArenaWhite River Junction
September 21, 2019
Watch this space!

The Four FIRST Competition Levels

FIRST Lego League, JR (FLL junior) is the starter league for early elementary school students exploring science and technology concepts for the first time, regardless of skills. It's all about learning, exploring, strategizing, building camaraderie, sharing ideas and talents, making new friends, be accepted, and having fun while learning about going from ME to WE. It all culminates in World Festival Expos if you're lucky!

FIRST Lego League (FLL) Young innovators practice imaginative thinking and teamwork while focusing on solving real-world problems such as food safety, recycling, energy, and more using STEM concepts. Elementary and middle school age kids work together on robots that culminate in regional tournaments and championships, leading to a chance to be invited to the League World Festival.

FIRST Technical Challenge (FTC) Up to 15 middle and high school age team members are challenged to design, build, program, and operate robots to compete in a head-to-head challenge in an alliance format. The challenge season culminates with local and regional events where qualifying teams compete for awards and a spot in the FIRST Championship. High school level participants may qualify for scholarships.

FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Building on previous skills and success, robotics participants add a new dimension to their challenge: sport. Competitors bring their skills and teamwork to regional events with an eye to earning a slot at traveling to FIRST Championship. 
High school students who have participated on Robotics or Technical challenge teams can apply for FIRST Scholarships.