FIRST Robotics Competition

For high school students who want a near-professional engineering experience, FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) is hard to beat. Each year, teams have just weeks to design, build, and program large custom robots to play a brand-new game, supported by mentors from industry and academia. Run by FIRST, it’s intentionally intense, mirroring real-world engineering cycles and collaboration. Parents love seeing teens gain skills in CAD, machining, coding, project management, and public speaking—all in one program. It’s ideal for students who thrive on challenge, teamwork, and long evenings in the shop. The downside is substantial: participation can require serious time, travel, and fundraising, and not every community has a team. Pro tip: if FRC feels too big, look into being a “partner team” with a nearby school or volunteering at events first to learn the ropes.