Welcome to the First Tech Challenge

FIRST Tech Challenge in Minnesota (MN FTC) is part of an international robotics program that includes more than 6,700 teams globally. High Tech Kids, in partnership with FIRST, has been bringing the FIRST Tech Challenge competition to Minnesota since 2013. Teams can be formed by schools, home school associations, 4 H groups, scouts, even just a group of friends, etc. Teams of three to fifteen students, in grades 7-12, will collaborate to build and program robots that compete on a 12’ by 12’ field. Each year the competition is designed to challenge students to think critically and expand their knowledge of the engineering process. FIRST Tech Challenge helps students learn computer science, engineering, manufacturing, teamwork, problem-solving, communications skills and more.

High Tech Kids and FIRST offers a number of different grants and scholarships to Minnesota FIRST Tech Challenge teams, FIRST LEGO League Challenge teams, and FIRST LEGO League Explore teams. Team Grants & Scholarships

We look forward to helping new and existing teams during the 2026-27 school year. If you have questions related to the FIRST or High Tech Kids Grants, materials, schedule, and physical competition, please direct those questions to Kris Simonson kris@hightechkids.org or Vicki Coaty vicki@hightechkids.org.

For questions related to the Lakeview Scrimmage or Qualifier please contact eriann.faris@swwc.org.