We Need YOU on the Team
Not a "STEM kid"? Perfect. We need photographers, writers, strategists, builders, organizers, and everything in between. Every skill matters.
More than just robots — we're a family
Building friendships that last
Who Can Join?
Anyone. Seriously. If you want to be part of something bigger than yourself, there's a spot for you.
FRC isn't just about building robots. It takes videographers, social media managers, writers, graphic designers, project managers, public speakers, fundraisers, scouts, strategists — and yes, people who want to turn wrenches too.
The Only Requirements
- High school student (grades 9-12)
- Show up — commitment matters
- Be willing to learn — we'll teach the rest
- Be a good teammate — respect goes both ways
What You DON'T Need
- Prior robotics or coding experience
- Straight A's in math or science
- To know what you want to do yet
- To be a "STEM person"
Time Commitment
Off-Season (Fall)
Lighter schedule focused on training, fundraising, and preparation.
- Meetings: 1-2 times per week
- Duration: 2-3 hours per meeting
- Focus: Skills training, team building, outreach
Build Season (Jan-Feb)
The most demanding period — this is when we build the robot!
- Meetings: 3-4 times per week
- Duration: 3-5 hours per meeting
- Weekends: Full build days common
Competition Season (Mar-Apr)
Regional competitions are typically 3-4 day events (Wednesday-Saturday). These are full-day commitments with travel. If we qualify for Championships, that's an additional multi-day trip.
Find Your Role
A winning FRC team needs all of these roles filled. We're actively looking for students in every area — especially non-technical roles that often go overlooked.
Mechanical
Design and build the robot's physical structure, drivetrain, and mechanisms using CAD and fabrication tools.
Electrical
Wire the robot, manage power distribution, install sensors, and ensure reliable electrical systems.
Programming
Write code to control the robot, implement autonomous routines, and create driver assistance features.
Strategy & Scouting
Analyze other teams, develop match strategies, and help drive team make alliance selections.
Business & Marketing
Handle sponsorships, social media, awards submissions, and team branding.
Media & Documentation
Capture photos/videos, document the build process, and create content for awards.
Costs & Fees
FRC is an expensive program, but we work hard to keep costs manageable for families. Team fees help cover registration, materials, competition travel, and more.
Important: No student will be turned away due to inability to pay. Scholarships and payment plans are available — just ask.
Contact us for current season fee information.
Don't Wait — Reach Out Today
Our 2027 season kicks off in January. The sooner you join, the more you'll learn and the more impact you'll have. Fill out the form or email us — we respond fast.
tie-dye-admin@stemplusc.org
Once you're on the team, you'll get access to our Slack workspace where all team communication happens.
Information for Parents
FIRST Robotics Competition is a significant commitment but offers incredible benefits for students: real-world engineering experience, college preparation, teamwork skills, and a supportive community.
All activities are supervised by background-checked adult mentors. Safety is our top priority — students receive training on tool use, and protective equipment is required.
We encourage parents to attend meetings and competitions! Many parents become mentors or help with logistics and team operations.
Questions? Reach out to us at tie-dye-admin@stemplusc.org