Into the Deep registration is now closed

Way more than building robots.

FIRST Tech Challenge

Design, Code, and Compete

FIRST Tech Challenge students learn to think like engineers. Teams design, build, and code robots to compete in an alliance format against other teams. Robots are built from a reusable platform, powered by Android technology, and can be coded using a variety of levels of Java-based programming.

THE FTC IMPACT

FIRST Tech Challenge teams (2-15 members, ages 12-18) are challenged to design, build, program, and operate robots to compete in a head-to-head challenge in an alliance format. Participants call it “the hardest fun you’ll ever have!”

Guided by adult Coaches and Mentors, students develop STEM skills and practice engineering principles (like keeping an engineering notebook), while realizing the value of hard work, innovation, and sharing ideas. The robot kit is reusable from year-to-year and can be programmed using a variety of languages, including Java. Teams also must raise funds, design and market their team brand, and do community outreach for which they can win awards. Participants have access to tens of millions of dollars in college scholarships. Each season concludes with an exciting international FIRST Championship.

Students Get To

Learn from professional engineers
Build and compete with a robot of their own design
Learn essential skills like teamwork, conflict resolution, public speaking, and leadership
Learn and use sophisticated software and hardware
Compete and cooperate in alliances and tournaments
Earn a place in the World Championship
Qualify for over $12 million in college scholarships

FIRST Tech Challenge field overhead view during a robotics match

Essential Steps To

Starting an FTC Team

Volunteer coordinator and volunteer smiling at a FIRST Tech Challenge qualifier in FIRST Chesapeake

Each team needs two or more adult lead coaches/mentors who are willing and motivated to coach the team through the build and competition season and beyond. Other adults can volunteer to help with administration, fundraising, community outreach, technical skills, and other tasks. Most teams meet once to twice a week during the build and competition season, which typically runs from September through February.

Mentor Manual

Enlist Mentors & Coaches

Team Management Guide

Build Your Team

Find and invite a few teammates (maximum 15) who want to be part of the robotics team. Be sure to emphasize that no technical skills are required, just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn! Recruit all kinds of talents, not just engineering and electrical.

FIRST Tech Challenge students high-five after winning an FTC match in FIRST Chesapeake

FIRST Tech Challenge students presenting to a sponsor in FIRST Chesapeake

REGISTER & PLAY

Once registered, your team becomes a part of the worldwide FIRST Tech Challenge community. You’ll begin receiving communications from FIRST, along with your team number in preparation for event registration. Part of the registration process includes ordering the kit of parts and completing payment.

Next you register with your local partner (that's us!) so your team can compete in the qualifiers for the opportunity to advance to District Championship.

Register FIRST Inspires

Register FIRST Chesapeake

Fundraising

Your team will need to build a budget and fund their goals. Recruit local businesses to sponsor you. Some of them may already have a relationship with FIRST. We also have many fundraising opportunities you can explore, including grants for rookie teams.

Grants

Budget

Guide

2025 Season

Into the Deep

FIRST Tech Challenge Into the Deep Octopus

In the INTO THE DEEP℠ presented by RTX challenge, launching September 7, 2024, FIRST Tech Challenge teams will dive their robots into the depths of the ocean to explore the unknown and reveal its wonders.

Learn More

Sat, Nov 23
FTC Washington D.C. Qualifier I
DC International School
Nov 23, 2024, 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
DC International School, 1400 Main Dr NW, Washington, DC 20012, USA
Sat, Nov 23
FTC Charlottesville, VA Qualifier
Albemarle High School
Nov 23, 2024, 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Albemarle High School, 2775 Hydraulic Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22901, USA
Sun, Nov 24
FTC Washington D.C. Qualifier II
DC International School
Nov 24, 2024, 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
DC International School, 1400 Main Dr NW, Washington, DC 20012, USA
Sat, Dec 07
FTC Union Bridge, MD Qualifier
Francis Scott Key High School
RSVP
Dec 07, 2024, 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Francis Scott Key High School, 3825 Bark Hill Rd, Union Bridge, MD 21791, USA
Sun, Dec 08
FTC Gaithersburg, MD Qualifier
Quince Orchard High School
Dec 08, 2024, 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Quince Orchard High School, 15800 Quince Orchard Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA
Sat, Dec 14
FTC Glen Allen, VA Qualifier I
Deep Run High School
RSVP
Dec 14, 2024, 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Deep Run High School, 4801 Twin Hickory Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23059, USA
Sun, Dec 15
FTC Glen Allen, VA Qualifier II
Deep Run High School
RSVP
Dec 15, 2024, 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Deep Run High School, 4801 Twin Hickory Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23059, USA
Sun, Dec 15
FTC Coach Chat: December
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84484342184?pwd=k
RSVP
Dec 15, 2024, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84484342184?pwd=k
Hosted by Seelig Sinton, FTC Team Advisory Committee Member & Coach Team 19458 Equilibrium
Sat, Jan 11
FTC Laurel, MD Qualifier I
JHU Applied Physics Lab
RSVP
Jan 11, 2025, 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
JHU Applied Physics Lab, 11100 Johns Hopkins Rd, Laurel, MD 20723, USA
Sun, Jan 12
FTC Virginia Beach, VA Qualifier
Cape Henry Collegiate
RSVP
Jan 12, 2025, 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Cape Henry Collegiate, 1320 Mill Dam Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23454, USA
Sun, Jan 12
FTC Laurel, MD Qualifier II
JHU Applied Physics Lab
RSVP
Jan 12, 2025, 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
JHU Applied Physics Lab, 11100 Johns Hopkins Rd, Laurel, MD 20723, USA
Sun, Jan 12
FTC Coach Chat: January
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83587494742?pwd=0
RSVP
Jan 12, 2025, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83587494742?pwd=0
Hosted by Seelig Sinton, FTC Team Advisory Committee Member & Coach Team 19458 Equilibrium
Sat, Jan 18
FTC Haymarket, VA Qualifier
Battlefield High School
RSVP
Jan 18, 2025, 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Battlefield High School, 15000 Graduation Dr, Haymarket, VA 20169
Sat, Jan 18
FTC Harrisonburg, VA Qualifier I
Harrisonburg High School
RSVP
Jan 18, 2025, 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Harrisonburg High School, 1001 Garbers Church Rd, Harrisonburg, VA 22801, USA
Sat, Jan 18
FTC McHenry, MD Qualifier
Garrett College
RSVP
Jan 18, 2025, 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Garrett College, 687 Mosser Rd, McHenry, MD 21541, USA
Sun, Jan 19
FTC Harrisonburg, VA Qualifier II
Harrisonburg High School
RSVP
Jan 19, 2025, 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Harrisonburg High School, 1001 Garbers Church Rd, Harrisonburg, VA 22801, USA
Sat, Jan 25
FTC Moorefield, WV Qualifier
Moorefield Middle School
RSVP
Jan 25, 2025, 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Moorefield Middle School, 303 Caledonia Heights Rd, Moorefield, WV 26836, USA
Sun, Jan 26
FTC Bassett, VA Qualifier
Bassett High School
Jan 26, 2025, 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Bassett High School, 85 Riverside Dr, Bassett, VA 24055, USA

Chesapeake Hubs

Chesapeake Hubs is an initiative to connect FIRST teams with other local teams who are willing to share 3D printing and machining resources.

Below is a map of Chesapeake Hubs teams who are willing to share their resources, collate lists of manufacturing capabilities for each, and provide a way to contact them.

Teams in need are able to identify nearby CHS Hubs teams, source specific needed manufacturing capabilities, and contact Chesapeake Hubs teams.

Special Thanks to Preston C. for building the platform and to FIRST Wisconsin and the FIRST Wisconsin Student Board of Directors for pioneering this initiative.

Start Today!

Learn how to program and drive real robots using this virtual robotics platform.

Block-Based & and Text Based Java Programming

You can choose to program in FTC Blocks or On Bot Java. You can also translate their block code into text based code!

Guided Onboarding Experience

Explore our website with ease using our integrated and interactive guide. This tool provides a complete tour of the site and walks you through all the coding concepts. It's available to you at any time, and even provides tips and hints.

Build Your Own Puzzles

Unleash your creativity! Design your own challenges, and share them with friends worldwide!

Start Your Journey

Rookie Grant Opportunity