- FIRST in Missouri

Welcome to FIRST Tech Challenge!

FIRST in Missouri supports all Missouri and Kansas FIRST Tech Challenge teams.

FIRST Tech Challenge teams (up to 15 members, grades 7-12) are challenged to design, build, program, and operate robots to play a floor game 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. 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.

Learn More

What will I get from FIRST Tech Challenge?

You’ll be part of an amazing community!
You’ll get to try new things!
You’ll grow and learn new skills!
You’ll be eligible for thousands of dollars of college scholarships !

How do I find a team?

Teams can be started by anyone. In 2022, 87% of our teams were affiliated with a high school or middle school. The remaining teams were family/friends/neighbors, homeschool groups or youth organizations.

We recommend that you check your local school first to see if a team already exists or if there is interest in getting one going. Starting a new team is a great experience and something you can proudly add to your resume.

FIRST has alliances with Girl Scouts, 4-H, and Boys and Girls Clubs which means they may help support local teams.

What does it cost?

All costs are at a team level. The rookie year is the most expensive as this includes the supplies for building your robot. These parts are reusable each year.

An estimate for a rookie team in our MO/KS system for 22-23 would be about $2,500.

$295 FIRST National registration (rookie grants available)
$1,400 or $1,450 Kit of Parts, Control Set, Electronics Set (rookie grants available)
$225 Missouri registration fee for 2 Meets and 1 League Championship
Additional funds for t-shirts, snacks, etc. and possible advancement to MO Championship or FIRST Championship.

Returning teams do not need to purchase the kit of parts, control and electronics sets. Equipment is reusable.

Go to the Team Portal page for Grant Opportunities.

What is the season timeframe?

May thru Dec. – National Registration open
Sept. – Kickoff and Game Reveal
Sept. – Training Camps
Nov. thru Jan. – Meets
Feb. – League Championships
Feb. or early March – Missouri State Championship *
April – FIRST Championship in Houston, TX *

* Limited number of teams, invitation based on advancement criteria

How often do teams meet?

The number and structure of team meetings vary widely. Some teams are before or after school clubs. Some teams are run as part of classroom curriculum. Independent teams of friends or neighbors may meet on weekends only.

Start a Team

How do I start a team?

We are the local organizing committee and are here to support your team. The registration process is handled at the national website. Of course, if you may contact us to discuss the process at any time.

FIRST has a page dedicated to helping you Start a Team

Do I need special skills?

Student and adult team members are encouraged to bring any skills they already have, like programming, electronics, metalworking, graphic design, web creation, public speaking, videography, and many more. FIRST Tech Challenge welcomes every student, with or without special skills.

Enter the Team Portal

FIRST Tech Challenge

Team Member Brice

“I love this program because it creates an environment that encourages design, creation, and innovation, all of which challenge teams to develop skills that solve real-world problems.”

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Have a question or a comment? We want to hear from you.

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