Grades 7–12 | Competitive

FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) challenges students to design, build, program, and operate robots in a floor-based game played in alliances. Teams of up to 15 students work with adult coaches and mentors, applying engineering principles, solving complex problems, and developing advanced STEM and soft skills—all while operating under the FIRST Core Values.

Using a reusable robot kit, teams program their robots using Java or Blockly. Beyond technical work, students build a brand identity, conduct outreach, and raise funds to support their team. FTC celebrates innovation and collaboration, recognizing excellence in design, programming, outreach, and Gracious Professionalism®.

Teams meet 2–3 times per week from August through February and participate in qualifying tournaments to earn a spot at the Colorado State Championship in February. Top-performing teams may advance to the FIRST Championship in April.

Through FTC, students:

• Apply real-world engineering concepts in a competitive setting
   
• Develop coding, mechanical, and electrical skills
   
• Gain experience in planning, branding, and fundraising
   
• Strengthen leadership, collaboration, and communication
   
• Become eligible for college scholarships through the FIRST network

 Starting September 6, 2025, FIRST Tech Challenge teams will investigate the power of the world’s artifacts and unlock mysteries in a new challenge, DECODE™ presented by RTX.

Many FIRST Tech Challenge teams are based at schools with teachers or staff members serving as coaches, but teams can be started anywhere — no school affiliation required!

Contact your local school to see if a team exists or if there is interest in starting one.

Form a Team

• Each team must have two adult coaches (age 18+).

• Both Coaches register on FIRST Inspires and complete a Youth Protection Screening (even if already screened as a teacher).

• No experience needed — just a willingness to support students!

• D51 employees may be eligible for a coaching stipend. An application must be submitted to receive a stipend.

Team Details

• Teams can include students in grades 7–12.

• 15 students MAX per team, per FIRST rules.

• A D51 team, coached by staff receiving a stipend, must have a minimum of 8 members.

• Schools can have multiple teams!

Registration

1. Team Registration, mid July - mid August: 
   Register your team on FIRST Inspires and order the season game kit, and robotics kit if needed.

2. Registering youth members:​​​​

   Once both coaches are registered and cleared from FIRST, they can invite parents to register their child on FIRST Inspires. 

3. Qualifying Events Registration:
   Information will come from D51 STEM or Colorado FIRST about available event around the state.

Team Meetings

• Teams usually meet 1–3 times per week from August to February.

• Coaches have access to many online materials, training, and resources.

New teams should budget approximately $3,000 for their first year, with ongoing annual costs around $700. Teams can reduce expenses by dividing costs among members, securing grants or sponsorships, and reusing materials year to year. Fundraising is an expected part of the program and contributes to each team’s overall portfolio. Grant opportunities are available and can be explored through the FIRST Tech Challenge grants page. 

With support from Google, Colorado FIRST has grant opportunities available to new middle school teams.

D51 STEM may be able to assist with some costs.

*D51 does not collect or profit from FIRST LEGO League fees.

All costs are set by and paid directly to FIRST Inspires and Colorado FIRST.