Frequently asked questions
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What is FRC?
The First Robotics Competition is the premier annual competition series for high schools worldwide. "Combining the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology," alliances of three teams compete against each other in a combination autonomous and driver-assisted game annually.
Each game is announced in January and, after about 12 weeks of build time, teams compete in March for a spot in the playoffs and ultimately the world championships in Houston.
While the game is the biggest draw of the season, FRC has numerous opportunities for teams to receive recognition for excellence in community involvement, industrial design, and engineering process.
What Do Kids Learn?
The goal of robotics is in no small part to prepare high school students for both STEM college programs and ultimately the real world. Coaches and mentors are industry leaders in their respective fields and work with the kids to explore engineering principles and topics as diverse as Java code, electrical engineering, part fabrication, website design, social media, and funding.
Who Can Join?
If you're going to Astoria High School, YOU! Certainly if you're interested in code, manufacturing, electronics, or other STEM topics, but we also always need help engaging with funding and other community outreach (so we welcome the business types). Even artists and writers are very welcome; there's no shortage of work to do!
Where Is Competition?
Typically our main competitions are in central Oregon in places like the Oregon State Fairgrounds, Wilsonville High School, etc.
The schedule for competitions is typically:
Pack up the equipment for travel Mon-Wed.
Thursday we get in the bus (and pack vehicle) and travel to the competition site.
Thursday night is a hearty dinner and a hotel stay, so that:
Competition (qualifying) starts Friday morning and continues through Saturday noon
Saturday afternoon the playoffs happen and competition wraps up.
Another hearty dinner and we head home.
Who Goes to Competition?
Any student that logs enough work hours during the season and is otherwise able to participate in student sports (i.e. not disqualified for academic or similar reasons) is welcome to attend. It's a fun way to compete, interact with students from across the region, and learn a ton about fast-paced on-the-fly engineering.
Yep, you'll be tired after three days of this, and yes, you'll have an amazing time.