FIRSTⓇ Tech Challenge (FTC) teams, consisting of 7th and 8th graders, are challenged to design, build, program, and operate robots to compete in head-to-head challenges in an alliance format. Guided by adult coaches and mentors, students develop STEM skills and practice engineering principles, while realizing the value of hard work, innovation, and teamwork.

FTC was started by the FIRSTⓇ (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) organization to inspire young people to pursue science, technology, and engineering. The 2026 season theme is "BioBuzz," and throughout the season, each team builds and codes a robot from kit and custom parts, and completes an engineering notebook to demonstrate their engineering process. Students also present their story to judges through creativity, speaking, and writing. They learn teamwork, problem solving skills and project management fundamentals.

Paradise Teams is a community-based non-profit offering STEM and robotics programs from K-12th grade, and this year, we will be fielding two FTC teams: That OTHER Team and This OTHER Team Our programs (including FTC) are made possible only through the generosity of our community and our many volunteers. Would you please consider making a donation to help empower the next generation of STEM leaders?

Note: If you would like your contribution credited towards a specific team and/or student, please include that information on the second screen of the donation form.

Supporting FIRST Tech Challenge 2026 - Paradise Teams