FIRST Tech Challenge

What is FIRST Tech Challenge?

FIRST Tech Challenge teams are challenged to design, build, program, and operate robots to compete against other teams.

Guided by adult coaches and mentors, students develop STEM skills and practice engineering principles while realizing the value of hard work, innovation, and working as a team.

How does Wolcott FTC work?

Team MAX operates out of Wolcott High School and shares resources with the high school FRC team. This program is open to students in 7th and 8th grade.

Students should expect a challenge due to the advanced material, however, mentors are available to teach and guide team members in various engineering disciplines, such as:

Overview and Sign-Ups


Location: Wolcott High School


Meeting Days: Tuesdays & Thursdays 


Meeting Times: 5:30 - 8:30


Registration Period: May 20 - August 20


Season: September 7th to February 22nd


Lead Mentor: Robert Cormier

Questions and Answers

If any of your questions aren't answered below, feel free to email joinateam@wolcottrobotics.org

Are parents required to stay for the program?

Parents are not required to stay for all sessions but are highly encouraged to check out what their child is working on, and to get to know the mentors.

Are there any program costs?

There is a $50 registration cost for joining a team.  This is used to pay for materials, competition fees, lunch at competitions, etc.  If you have any trouble paying this fee, email foundation@wolcottrobotics.org.

What is Remind and how do I join?

Remind is the communication system that we use for our programs.  This allows mentors to send out messages to all parents and enables parents to directly message the mentors.  Instructions on joining Remind are included in the registration form.  Parents are required to be on Remind if they register their child for the program. 

What is the next step after FIRST Tech Challenge?

The program after FIRST Tech Challenge is the FIRST Robotics Competition (see the page on this program for more information).

Do I need to be from Wolcott or enrolled in the Wolcott Public Schools?

Yes, all students enrolling in FIRST Tech Challenge are required to be enrolled in the Wolcott Public Schools.  However, FIRST is an international program and anyone can start a team.  If your child doesn't attend the Wolcott Public Schools and you'd like to start a team, please contact ymacary@wolcottrobotics.org as we can assist with the process, and may be able to provide funding.

How can I support the Wolcott Robotics Programs?

Wolcott Robotics Foundation members will send info about fundraising efforts on Remind, so if you'd like to help support our cause please keep a lookout.

What if we can't make every single session?

We understand that students may have to miss a session or two, however, we STRONGLY encourage students to make as many sessions as possible.  Students will be working as a team, so absences may affect other members, and the program is cumulative and will be significantly less beneficial if students miss many sessions.  We expect students to be fully committed to the program.

How will the teams compete?

Teams will compete in two qualifying competitions each season.  One of the qualifying competitions is hosted at Wolcott High School and the other is TBD.  Both competitions are in January or February and allow students to compete against teams from around the state for the chance to advance to the Connecticut FTC State Championship.  Students will have a judging session where they present in front of a panel and will participate in robot matches.

What if the team advances to the state championship?

If the team advances to the state championship they will continue to meet and attend a third competition at the University of Connecticut on February 22nd, 2025.

FIRST Lego League Challenge and FIRST Tech Challenge are both available for 7th and 8th graders.  Which should my child join?

FIRST Tech Challenge introduces students to metal robots and real-world coding.  Students who enjoy coding, engineering, and the more technical aspects of the program are encouraged to join FIRST Tech Challenge.  On the contrary, FIRST LEGO League Challenge is a great program for beginners to get experience using simpler software and materials.  The innovation project is also an aspect of FIRST LEGO League Challenge that FIRST Tech Challenge doesn't have, and as such any students who gravitate towards that type of work (See FIRST Lego League Challenge page for more details on the Innovation Project) rather than mechanical work are recommended to stay in FIRST LEGO League Challenge.