In the FIRST Tech Challenge, students utilize STEM to build and program a robot to complete a field-based challenge.  Each year the challenge will change, and thus will the robot.  Teams are required to develop a strategy and build robots based on sound engineering principles. Awards are given for the competition as well as for community outreach, design, and other accomplishments.

Time Commitment Per Week:
Two days after school for a total of 5.5-6.5 hours.
+ An occasional Sunday practice before competitions if needed.

If we need the extra work time before a competition, the duration and number of meetings may increase.

As a member of the FTC team, students will:
Design, build, and program robots to compete in competitions.
Apply real-world math and science concepts to their robot and code.
Develop problem-solving, organizational, and team-building skills.
Document the team’s journey throughout the season.
Compete in tournaments in an alliance format.
Participate in outreach events to bring STEM to the community.

A normal season will look something like this:
August-early November:  Design, build, and program the robot for our first league meet.
Late November-January:  Attend 4 league meets; continue to work on improving the robot.
February:  Prepare for and attend the league championship.
March - April:  Continue to work on the robot, hold scrimmages with local teams.
Early May:  Attend the Adventist Robotics League FTC National Championship.

While we wish to have everyone one the team, only so many people can join.  There is a maximum of 15 spots available for the robotics team.  This means that even if you apply, you still might not be selected for the team.  Being a previous Robotics team member does not guarantee future membership.  We want to have a successful team here at NPAA, thus if you are interested in joining, you must apply to team via this Google Forms

Once you have been accepted onto the team, each member is required to do the following:
1. Read the entirety of Game Manual 0, 1, and 2,
2. Join the team Discord server
3. Pay a non-refundable fee of $175.  This fee is used to purchase the field kit, competition shirts, and supplement travel costs.