1989
FIRST FOUNDED BY DEAN KAMEN
7–12
GRADES ELIGIBLE FOR FTC
$30M+
IN SCHOLARSHIPS PER YEAR
60+
COUNTRIES WITH FIRST TEAMS
What Is FIRST?
Two of the three high-school robotics leagues fall under FIRST — a global nonprofit founded by inventor Dean Kamen in 1989 to inspire young people in science and technology.
For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology
FIRST runs two high-school programs: FRC (FIRST Robotics Competition) and FTC (FIRST Tech Challenge).
Our Three Options
Every new high-school robotics team has to choose a league. Here are the three real options — and why we picked the third one.
Option 1: FRC
THE VARSITY LEAGUE
Grades 9–12. Big robots, electric atmosphere, top-tier prestige — with a top-tier price tag.
- Robots $10K–$30K
- Registration ~$6,500/event
- Realistic season cost $20,000+
- Custom metal/CNC parts
- Massive time commitment
Incredible experience — out of reach for most new teams without major sponsorship.
Option 2: VEX V5
THE BUDGET LEAGUE
The most affordable of the three. Robots built exclusively from VEX kit parts.
- Robot kit under $1,000
- Registration varies
- Kit-only parts
- Great for fundamentals
- Limited design freedom
Affordable, but the no-custom-parts rule limits the engineering creativity our team is built around.
Option 3: FTC
THE GOLDILOCKS ZONE
Grades 7–12. The right balance of cost, creativity, and competitive depth.
- Robots $1,500–$3,000
- Registration $325/season
- Custom 3D-printed parts encouraged
- Strong, supportive community
- Student-driven design
Affordable + creative + competitive. This is where Forgotten Coast Robotics Alliance lives.
Why FTC Is the Right Fit for Us
💰 The cost makes it possible
FTC robots run $1,500–$3,000 and registration is $325 for the entire season — a fraction of FRC. More students can join without the program depending on massive sponsorships just to start.
🔧 Real engineering creativity
Unlike VEX, FTC encourages teams to design and build custom parts. Most are 3D-printed plastic; metal parts come into play too. Our students aren’t assembling a kit — they’re building original engineering.
🎉 Real competition energy
FTC competitions don’t quite match FRC’s over-the-top energy — but they’re genuinely exciting and worth experiencing. The creativity on the field will surprise you.
OUR LEAGUE
The AeroCoast League
We compete in the AeroCoast League, which spans Florida’s Panhandle from Pensacola in the west to Tallahassee in the east. Most events are short Saturday day-trips for our team.
A season includes 4–5 League Meets plus a League Tournament. If we perform well, we advance to the Florida State Championship — and from there, Worlds in Houston is on the table.
THE LADDER
- League Meets — Nov – Jan
- League Tournament — late Jan
- Florida State Championship — March
- FIRST World Championship — April (Houston)
The Comparison
More Than Robots
FTC and FRC go far beyond technical skills. That philosophy is a huge part of why we love FIRST. A team cannot win in FTC by being technically great alone.
Teamwork
Students learn to lead, communicate, and work together.
Innovation
We solve real problems and bring our ideas to life.
Confidence
Students grow into leaders on and off the field.
Community
We support and inspire each other every step of the way.
A FIRST CORE VALUE
Gracious Professionalism®
A way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community. In plain terms: we cheer for other teams, we help our competitors when they need it, and we treat everyone with kindness and respect. Always.
FTC Teams Are Judged on Three Big Things Beyond the Robot
Fundraising
Can your team build financial support from your community? Sponsor outreach, grant writing, and partnerships are all real, scored work.
Community Outreach
Are you spreading the love of STEM beyond your team? Demos, school visits, FLL mentorship, festivals, and library events all count.
Engineering Notebook
Are you documenting your design process thoughtfully and professionally? The engineering portfolio is the document the judges actually read.
THE BOTTOM LINE
FTC gives us the best of both worlds.
FRC is incredible — out of reach for most new teams. VEX is affordable — limits the engineering creativity we want. FTC delivers real engineering challenges, meaningful competition, community connection, and a cost structure that lets us actually exist and grow.
We are proud to be a FIRST Tech Challenge team. Go team! 🤖
Want to help us build something that matters?
Whether you’re a student, parent, mentor, or sponsor — we have a role for you.
Keep exploring —