We are seeking current 6th and 7th grade students (rising 7th and 8th graders) who are passionate learners with interests in:

• Robotics and coding

• Writing, journaling, or public speaking

• Digital media, photography, art, or design

• Strategy, teamwork, and communication

No prior experience is required—just a sense of curiosity and a commitment to learning and teamwork.

We offer two team paths based on experience and availability:

Competitive Team

• Meets year-round
  (Thurs evenings & Saturdays, 10 - 15 Hrs per week)
  (Less in the off season, more outreach events)

• Designs a custom robot

• Attends up to 3 qualifiers, Regionals, and possibly Worlds

• Requires travel, fundraising, and a higher time investment

Developing Team 

• Season: Sept–Dec
  (Thurs after school, 2 - 4 Hrs a week)
  (Participate in the off-season outreach event and assist the Competitive team during the year)

• Builds a more straightforward robot using a kit

• Attends one (1) local qualifier

• Focused on learning, teamwork, and preparing for future seasons

• Supports outreach and helps the competition team

FTC events are about more than just robots, they test teamwork, problem-solving, strategy, communication, and innovation.

Each team competes in a combination of:

• Matches on the game field

• Team Presentations and interviews with judges

• Team Portfolio

• Robot Design

Awards like Inspire, Think, Connect, and Control recognize excellence in areas such as design, community outreach, innovation, and leadership, not just performance during matches.

Competition Path:

Teams compete in the New York State Excelsior Region, which includes over 100 FTC teams.

• Each team may compete in up to three (3) qualifying tournaments

• Top-performing teams and award winners from qualifiers may advance to the New York State Regional Championship

• From there, the highest-ranked teams are selected to advance to the FIRST Championship in Houston, Texas, an international-level event that brings together the best teams from around the world

This progression gives all students whether they’re builders, programmers, speakers, or strategists—a chance to help the team advance and succeed at higher levels.

Competitive Team: $225 per student (2025-26)

This fee includes essential robot parts, registration, team shirts, and tools. Additional costs may arise, such as hotel accommodations, meals, and travel for out-of-town events (e.g., Buffalo, Corning, Albany).

Developing Team: $125 per student (2025-26)

This fee includes a kit-based robot, a team shirt, and materials. This option requires less time and requires less financial commitment, making it ideal for new students or those with less availability.

Other Potential Costs:

• Lunch contributions for long Saturday build sessions

• Optional team apparel (such as hoodies and gear)

• Travel and lodging expenses if the team advances to regional or championship events

We actively seek grants and sponsorships to keep student fees low and provide financial assistance when needed. Your support through volunteering and donations directly contributes to the growth and sustainability of this impactful program.

Parents will be informed about the payment due date during the orientation meeting in the first week of September.

Students in grades 9-12 are eligible to participate in the FIRST Robotics Competition with FRC Team 1511 Rolling Thunder, which meets at Penfield High School. For more information about Rolling Thunder, please visit their website at www.PenfieldRobotics.com.