Students design, build, program, and drive a metal competition robot while working as part of a real team. FTC is a great next step for students who are ready for a bigger challenge beyond LEGO robotics.
The Power of Four
FTC teams at Bytes and Bots are intentionally designed around a preferred team size of 4 students.
A smaller team gives each student more hands-on time with the robot, more opportunities to contribute ideas, and a clearer role during the season. Students are part of the process, not just watching from the sidelines.
FIRST Tech Challenge gives students hands-on experience with robotics, engineering, programming, teamwork, and competition strategy.
Students learn how to build with metal parts, motors, gears, wheels, brackets, and custom mechanisms. They prototype ideas, test them, and improve the robot throughout the season.
Students document their robot design, team progress, testing, failures, improvements, and final strategy. They also practice explaining their work clearly during judging.
Students work with FTC motors, servos, controllers, sensors, batteries, wiring, and structural parts. They learn how to build a robot that is strong, reliable, and competition-ready.
Students program the robot for driver control and autonomous movement. They may work with Java, sensors, camera vision, and path planning while also practicing match strategy and robot driving.
The FTC season begins in September and continues through February. Students work on the official game challenge, build and program their competition robot, practice driving, prepare for judging, and attend scheduled competition events.
FTC team practice is planned for Sundays from 12:00 PM–6:00 PM. This gives students a focused weekly block for building, programming, testing, documentation, strategy, and driver practice.
During November and December, teams may attend up to 5 scrimmages or league events depending on placement and event schedule. The season may continue into February for knockouts and advancement opportunities.
Pricing is based on our preferred team size of 4 students, allowing for meaningful hands-on participation.
* Does not include regular lab access outside of practice.
* Includes regular lab access and other classes.
Placement is based on age, experience, schedule, and available space. We strongly prefer teams of 4 students to ensure meaningful participation. Team size may vary based on registration fit.
Pay in Full: $2,250 due at registration.
Split Payment: $1,125 at registration and $1,125 by November 1.
Additional arrangements may be available upon request.
FTC is a full-season team commitment from Sept-Feb. If a student leaves mid-season, payments already made are not refundable, and remaining payments are still due unless a written exception is approved.