What is FIRST Tech Challenge?
FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC) helps middle school students build real skills in engineering, programming, and teamwork. Working with their mentors, teams design, build, and program a robot to compete in a new challenge released every September. In Michigan, FTC gives students an early start in STEM before moving on to FIRST Robotics Competition in high school. Learn more on the FIRST Tech Challenge program page.
FIRST Tech Challenge League in West Michigan
weekends of league meets this November
teams signed up for the first season
How It Works
Every match is played by alliances of two teams competing against two other teams. A team that is your partner in one match may be your opponent in the next, which makes communication and strategy just as important as the robot itself.
Each match has two periods:
- Autonomous period: Robots follow commands the students programmed ahead of time.
- Driver controlled period: Student drivers take control of the robot.
Student Engagement
01
Build STEM skills
Students design, build, and program a robot from the ground up.
02
Work as a team
Every team member plays a role, from coding to strategy to outreach.
03
Give back
Teams take part in community outreach throughout the season.
04
Grow in confidence
Students learn to solve problems and present their work.
FIRST Tech Challenge
at GVSU
This year, Grand Valley State University and the West Michigan District Planning Team are working together to launch the first FIRST Tech Challenge League in West Michigan. The Padnos College of Engineering is proud to host the league meets.
The response has been strong. More than 30 teams have already signed up, making it the largest FTC league in Michigan in its very first season.
GVSU has supported FIRST teams in West Michigan for years through season kickoffs, volunteer trainings, and practice space on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus. Hosting the new league is the next step in that commitment. For many students, these events will be their first time on a college campus and a chance to see what engineering looks like in a real lab setting.
|
Weekend |
Dates |
|---|---|
|
Weekend 1 |
Friday, November 6 and Saturday, November 7 |
|
Weekend 2 |
Saturday, November 14 and Sunday, November 15 |
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Weekend 3 |
Friday, November 20 and Saturday, November 21 |
Location and Parking
League meets take place at the Shape Corp. Innovation Design Center (IDC), 227 Winter Ave. NW, Grand Rapids. The area across from the IDC is under construction, so please park in the GVSU DeVos Lot or Seward Lot. The spaces in front of the IDC are for loading and unloading only.
What Comes Next
After the league meets, teams will compete in the West Michigan League Championship to decide who represents the league at the State Championship. The championship is hosted by FRC Teams 904 and 4967.
FTC news and events in West Michigan
FTC programs across Michigan
The global FIRST organization