First Tech Challenge

  • First Tech                      High tech

    2025-26
     
    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.
     
    Dates and times will be updated here when available.
     
    Wave 1 will be open October - TBD
    Wave 2 will be open October - TBD
    Wave 3 will be open October - TBD
     
     
     
    Eligibility: students in grades 7-12
     
    Qualifier Event Date/Time: Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 8am - 5pm
     
    Location: Lakeview Public School, 875 Barstad Rd., Cottonwood, MN 56229
    Note: We need 12-16 teams involved to host a regional event in the Marshall area.
     

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

    For our local schools, LYFT Pathways is offering Grant Opportunity for First Tech Challenge teams – 2025-2026.

    As a member of the SWWC, there is a LYFT Pathway grant available to our area schools. Registration and FTC LYFT Grant Application. We are focused on increasing the number of teams in our regions. There is a small amount of grant funds available to start or add a NEW team. Priority will be given to those schools starting or adding a NEW team. However, there may be some funds available to help existing teams. Please fill out the  LYFT Grant Application. Payment will be released once the challenge is completed. Schools will then need to submit proof of participation in a qualifier event by sending Andrea supply receipts and registration fee receipts to the FTC Qualifier and FIRST registrations.

    We look forward to helping new and existing teams during the 2025-26 school year.  If you have questions related to the FIRST or High Tech Kids Grants, materials, schedule, and physical competition, please direct those to Kris Simonson kris@hightechkids.org or Vicki Coaty vicki@hightechkids.org. LYFT grant-related questions can be directed to Andrea.Anderson@swwc.org.

    Schools can register for
     
    Qualifier Play - grades 7-12

    League Play - grades 7-12

    First Lego League - grades 4-8

Watch this Video to learn more!