About

Encouraging Students to Take an Interest in Math and Science

Igniting Minds

The FTC program helps young people discover the excitement and rewards of science, technology, engineering, and math, while building self-confidence, knowledge, and life-skills which are the cornerstones of FIRST.  Every September brings a new season’s game challenge to be solved.  Students brainstorm to devise and design innovative, effective solutions while volunteer professional mentors often find they rediscover the joys of their chosen profession.

Scalable and Portable

• Scalability of the program makes it accessible
• Small amount of space required for instruction, build, and practice of the robot
• Project-based learning means greater potential for team and individual success

Benefits to the Community

• Students apply math, science, and engineering principles to solve real-world problems
• Provides for a future, local workforce
• Promotes tactical thinking (i.e. “On the fly”)
• Expanded opportunities for design engineering (e.g. Rapid prototyping)
• Builds confidence and collaboration skills among students
• Business and civic support improves community image; promotes goodwill in the community

Proven Results

• 78% of FTC participants believe their desire to do better in school is a direct result of their participation in FTC
• With FTC, interest in majoring in math and science - and pursuing those fields - has risen by 84%
• FTC is unlocking interest in math and science (90% of participants cite FTC directly responsible)