About FRC

Overview

More than driving a robot on the field

FRC teams begin with a Kit of Parts and a common rule set. They analyse the challenge, develop concepts, build prototypes, complete mechanical, electrical, and software systems, and test repeatedly until the robot works reliably. Being ready to compete is only one part of this cross-disciplinary engineering project.

Beyond the robot, students contribute to match strategy, project management, fundraising, brand design, photography and video, public speaking, and community outreach. With mentor guidance, a team must divide work, communicate, document decisions, and take responsibility for results like a real project team.

The Challenge

How an FRC season unfolds

From the release of a new challenge each January to the robot entering formal competition, an FRC season is a continuous cycle of analysis, design, manufacturing, testing, and collaboration.

Challenge release

At Kickoff each January, FIRST® publishes a new game, field, and rule set. Teams first study scoring methods, constraints, and match flow.

Concepts and prototypes

Teams compare strategies and mechanism concepts, use rapid prototypes to validate critical actions, and then define the overall design direction.

Design, manufacturing, and programming

Mechanical, electrical, and software members work together to complete the robot, continuously checking rules, programming, testing, and iterating.

Formal competition

Teams attend regional or district events. In each match, three teams form an alliance to complete field tasks and work towards advancement to the FIRST® Championship.

Work beyond the field

In addition to match performance, teams may be evaluated for engineering, innovation, team culture, community impact, and leadership, presenting the complete body of work behind the robot.

Global Impact

Two sets of figures, two different scopes

During the 2024-2025 season, FRC involved more than 93,000 students across 35 countries. In the same season’s survey, 92% of surveyed FRC students reported improved problem-solving skills.

FIRST® also operates robotics programmes for other age groups, so figures for the organisation as a whole are larger. FIRST® states that its global support network includes more than 200 Fortune 500 companies. NASA, Apple, and Google.org were listed as Strategic Partners in the official 2026 overview. These relationships support FIRST® as a whole and do not indicate direct sponsorship of GHFRC.

• 853,000+ | Students impacted: FIRST® overall, 2024-2025 season
• 114 | Countries with programmes: FIRST® overall, 2024-2025 season
• 5,400+ | Official events: all FIRST® programmes, 2024-2025 season

Student Development

A place for many different strengths

Students do not need prior robotics experience before joining FRC. They can begin in an area that interests them and gradually take on greater responsibility through real collaboration.

Mechanical design and manufacturing

Starting with CAD, prototypes, and material choices, students turn mechanism concepts into physical robots that operate reliably and can be maintained.

Electrical systems and software

Students build control systems, sensors, and wiring, then write and tune robot code so mechanical systems can execute tasks accurately.

Strategy and data

Students study rules, analyse match data, observe other teams, and develop clear, executable field strategies in alliance cooperation.

Projects and teamwork

Students manage schedules, resources, budgets, and risks while practising communication, decision-making, review, and leadership across disciplines.

Brand and communication

Students work on visual design, writing, photography, video, sponsor communication, and public presentation so that the team’s work is accurately recorded and understood.

Verifiable outcomes

Engineering work, code, design records, competition results, team responsibilities, and community projects can provide concrete evidence of STEM practice, sustained commitment, and personal impact in university applications. These outcomes do not guarantee admission.

Alumni and Education

Specific links within university and alumni communities

The influence of FIRST® extends into scholarships, alumni organisations, and volunteering at universities, but each connection should be understood in the context of a specific institution and year.

2026 | FIRSTxMIT alumni organisation

MIT News introduced FIRSTxMIT in 2026 as a student organisation formed by alumni of FIRST® programmes. The group works on robotics, volunteers, and promotes STEM learning for younger students.

2011 | Yale University engineering alumni alliance case

Yale News recorded a 2011 alliance between the Yale Science & Engineering Association and FIRST®. This is a historical example tied to a specific year and does not establish that the relationship continues in exactly the same form in 2026.

These university and alumni examples do not mean that institutions provide admission preference to FIRST® or FRC participants. Each institution independently evaluates applicants under its own criteria.

Scholarships

Scholarships and extended opportunities

The current FIRST® Scholarship Program includes more than 150 higher-education institutions and companies. Each provider funds and manages its own scholarship, with separate amounts, eligibility requirements, application materials, and deadlines.

Providers listed in the 2025 FIRST® Annual Impact Report include Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Yale University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Inclusion does not mean automatic admission or an automatic scholarship. Applicants should use the official FIRST® portal for current opportunities.

• 150+ | Higher-education institutions and companies: the current official description of the FIRST® Scholarship Program; specific opportunities may change each year.