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FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC)

FRC 6369 & 6773

FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) is our most advanced and challenging program. Students in grades 8–12 design, fabricate, build, and program a 100–125 lb robot from scratch to compete in a fast-paced, team-based environment.

Beyond engineering, students develop valuable real-world skills in leadership, presentation, marketing, and business as they promote their team and share their story.

Our in-person FRC program also emphasizes a strong commitment to community outreach. Our students actively engage with local schools, organizations, and events to inspire the next generation of STEAM leaders.

As our in-person program continues to grow, we are proud to now support two FRC teams with a third in development.

Find details and our in-person team application below. Not sure if FRC is a good fit for your student? Feel free to schedule a visit to our workshop to learn more.

Calendar

Grades: 8-12

Applications: May - Dec (or roster full)

Off Season (skill development, outreach): June - Dec

Regular Season: Jan-March

Championship Season: April

Application Process

Application available May 1st
Applications reviewed by MSA staff: May/June and ongoing
Application decision emails sent: May and ongoing
Tuition due: After acceptance, no later than July 31 (or upon acceptance if after this date)
Team assignments communicated: September and ongoing
Off-season meetings begin - skill building including CAD and programming: June - December
FRC Game Release and Kickoff Party: January 9, 2027

Registration Includes

Volunteer staff of 22 mentors with industry experience
Regular in-person meetings
Fully stocked workshop: 3D Print Farm, 2 CNCs, 130w c02 laser, 60 watt c02 laser, powder coating equipment, lathe, drill press, and a wide assortment of hand tools
All raw materials, parts, motors
2 competition team shirts
Regular season competition day lunches
Off-season skills development (CAD, programming, tool use/safety, fabrication)

Registration Does NOT Include

Travel and lodging at competition
Meals outside of regular season competition day student lunches
Off season competition entry fee
Does not include Championship registration fees if a student’s team qualifies

FRC Team Application (Grades 8 - 12)

Off Season Time Commitment:

We have in-person weekly meetings during the off season. These meetings will work on basic skill and team building in preparation for the upcoming season. Wednesday evening and Saturday afternoon are our traditional meeting days. We recognise and encourage student/family travel during the summer and thus the off season schedule is much more flexible.

Additional skill building workshops offered in the off season vary year to year based on team needs and mentor/trainer availability. Past workshops have included CAD (intro to advanced), programming, welding, 3d printing, and powder coating.

We usually attend one to three off season competitions. These events do not build points to a championship so they tend to be lower pressure and good training grounds for students, preparing them for the higher pressure of qualifiers during competition season. These events can be local to DFW or further away. We are regulars at STEM Gals and NTX during the month of September and we try to work one or two more In as schedules allow. These entry fees are not part of the registration fee and are passed on only to the families attending.

Lastly we require all FRC students to complete a minimum of 20 service hours per year as part of our commitment to community service and outreach.

Competition Season Time Commitment:

The season can get hectic. Officially there are two in-person meeting days on the calendar. Wednesday evening and Saturday afternoons are our traditional meeting days.

However, sub teams responsible for each individual component of the robot tend to meet in-person on additional days of the week. Some sub teams, such as software, have the additional flexibility of being able to work from home.

As we approach qualifiers students often elect to spend more time in the shop to ensure the robot is ready in time.

Our teams attend two to four qualifying events. Past locations in Texas include Ft. Worth, Belton, Waco, San Antonio, and Amarillo. The typical schedule has load in on Wednesday evening with competition running Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Attending these events typlically requires missing school.

With lots of hard work and a little bit of luck the team will move on to State in April.

Championship Season Time Commitment:

State level event is usually held the first W/T/F/S in April while FIRST Championships (AKA Worlds) are held the third W/T/F/W in April. Both of these events are in Houston, TX.

Progression to these events is never guaranteed and it is an honor to attend.