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�Why are you playing with robots?� If you�re like many FIRST � participants you�ve undoubtedly been asked this question when your friends or family hear about your robotics team. Everyone understands �team� and most know what a robot is, but many can�t connect how you might be competing and assume you�re just playing with technology. It�s not a big step from that to simply categorizing your efforts as a geeky outlet. �Good for Marissa, she�s playing with robots�� But what you want them to know is through these �geeky� robotics competitions, FIRST is developing future innovators, technology leaders, and creative problem solvers. You and your team are channeling your raw curiosity to think critically and seek ways to improve the world around   you � and you�re having fun while doing it. At, FIRST we fight this same battle against projections like this. Amplifying the FIRST experience, expanding access to our programs, and convincing sponsors and volunteers to join the mission. How...

We�re excited to share the news that FIRST Tech Challenge will be making World Championships even louder next year! We�re expanding our footprints in both Houston and Detroit from 128 to 160 teams at each event. More teams mean more fun, and higher levels of competition from teams around the world. FIRST Tech Challenge World Championship registration fees will increase to $2,000 per team. This is the first increase in registration fees since we started the program back in 2007. The elimination of Super Regional events and those costs should help teams offset this increase. Season registration fees remain at $275, and we continue to drive down costs for rookie and veteran teams to obtain hardware and electronics. Our goal is to change the culture, inspiring more students by showing them the fun and excitement of STEM and Gracious Professionalism embedded in the FIRST culture. We do that by getting more and more students, coaches, volunteers and sponsors on board. We�re proud of the work...

Super Regional competitions were piloted in 2014 with the intent of creating a more balanced progression of competition. As FIRST Tech Challenge grew, the single World Championship accommodating 128 teams resulted in a very small percentage of teams making it to the top level of competition. Super Regional events provided a solution to this problem, and allowed more teams to reach a higher level of competition. The events were a tremendous success. The regions that stepped up to organize, fundraise and execute the events were amazing. The sponsors who believed in the vision donated over a million dollars to make them happen. The team experience was unlike anything else. We are truly grateful for the passion and effort that went into these events. Since the inception of Super Regionals several things have changed. Most significantly, we�ve added a second World Championship, as well as new World Championship venues. In 2017 FIRST Tech Challenge doubled the number of teams attending Worl...