What is FRC?

FRC (FIRST Robotics Competition) is a high school robotics program where student teams design, build, and program a 120-lb robot in just a few weeks to play a new game revealed annually each January. The game is usually played on a large field with alliances of three teams competing against each other. Robots have to complete tasks like scoring game pieces, climbing, or balancing, while drivers and programmers coordinate strategies. Teams also focus on outreach, fundraising, and teamwork, and they compete at regional or district events to qualify for the World Championship.

Learn about what our team is doing this season. More information can be found on the FIRST® website, along with details about Previous FRC Games.

What is FIRST®?

Founded in 1989, FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a global nonprofit organization that prepares young people for the future through a suite of inclusive, team-based robotics programs for ages 4-18 (PreK-12). FIRST® is comprised of different competition levels for different age groups: Junior Lego® League, FIRST Lego® League (FLL), FIRST Tech Challenge (FRC), and the FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC), which the Iron Panthers compete in.

FIRST participants are guided by a signature set of Core Values to conduct research, fundraise, design, build, and showcase their achievements. The thrilling, sports-like challenges build their self-confidence and collaborative problem-solving skills and have a proven and lasting impact on STEM learning and interest. Gracious Professionalism®, a term coined by co-founder Woodie Flowers, is the backbone of FIRST®. With Gracious Professionalism, teams compete honorably but still treat one another with mutual respect.