Goals

The mission of FIRST® is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering, and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.

Scope

FIRST Robotics Competition combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. Under strict rules, limited resources, and time limits, teams of 10 students or more are challenged to raise funds, design a team “brand,” hone teamwork skills, and build and program robots to perform prescribed tasks against a field of competitors. Teams have 6-weeks to build a 100 lb. robot. It’s as close to “real-world engineering” as a student can get. Volunteer professional mentors lend their time and talents to guide each team.

Eligibility/Requirements

Teams competing in FIRST Robotics Competition events usually consist of 10 or more high school-aged students led by adult mentors with both technical and non-technical expertise willing and motivated to “coach” the team through the build and competition season (and beyond). Other requirements include:

• A suitable meeting place to design and build an industrial-sized robot with access to a variety of machine shop power tools
• A standard kit of parts and a common set of rules issued by FIRST
• A community sponsor(s) that will help fund your efforts and provide other support
• Annual fees for team registration, a robot kit of parts, and event participation are $6,000. Additional costs for travel, food, team shirts and other optional items will vary.
• The desire to learn, explore, strategize, build comradery, share ideas and talents, make new friends, be accepted, and HAVE FUN!

Key Dates

FIRST Robotics Competition Buckeye Regional Kickoff

• Kickoff Date: Saturday, January 4, 2025
• Kickoff Location: Great Lakes Science Center, 601 Erieside Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44114

FIRST Robotics Competition Buckeye Regional

• Competition Dates: Wednesday, April 2 to Saturday, April 5, 2025
• Competition Location: Cleveland State University’s Wolstein Center, 2000 Prospect Ave, Cleveland, Ohio 44115

Featured News

• Game Landing Page (coming soon)
• Teaser Video (coming soon)
• FIRST Robotics Competition Buckeye Regional 

Buckeye Regional Competition Supplemental Funding Opportunity for Ohio Teams

NASA Glenn Research Center invites registered FIRST Robotics Teams from Ohio to apply for supplemental funding to support their participation in the Buckeye Regional FIRST Robotics Competition.

Ohio FIRST Robotics Teams may apply to receive up to $3,000.00 to support travel costs to participate in the Buckeye Regional FIRST Robotics Competition. Funds may also be used to purchase materials and/or equipment needed to build their Buckeye Regional FIRST Robotics Competition robot. Funding will be competitively awarded based on financial need. Preference will be given to rookie teams and new veteran teams (i.e., Teams whose rookie season was in 2022, 2023, or 2024).

Eligibility

• Team must be located in Ohio and registered to participate in the Buckeye Regional FIRST Robotics Competition.
• Team must not have received other funding from NASA to support participation in the 2025 FIRST Robotics Competition.
• Team must demonstrate a financial need.
• Preference will be given to rookie teams and new veterans (i.e., Teams whose rookie season was in 2022, 2023, or 2024).

Key Dates

• Application Opens: November 8, 2024
• Application Closes: December 9, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

Supplemental Funding Application:
Apply for the Ohio FIRST Robotics Teams Supplemental Funding 

Contact Information

Catherine Graves, Ph.D.

STEM Integration Manager

GRC-Ed-Opportunities@mail.nasa.gov
(216) 433-6656

Glenn Research Center – Office of STEM Engagement