MISSISSIPPI FIRST TECH CHALLENGE PROGRAM












The Center for Mathematics and Science Education at the University of Mississippi is proud to be the program partner for the Mississippi FIRST® Tech Challenge robotics program for the last 10 years and beyond. We are a statewide community focused on building a better world for tomorrow by engaging students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) while they design, build, and compete with robots in an annual challenge. FIRST Tech Challenge teaches students in grades 7-12 the value of hard work, innovation, creativity, and teamwork.
➾ 2023-2024 SEASON
Discover what this arts-inspired season has in store and brainstorm challenge solutions. Work as a team to design and build a robot. Excel at outreach, marketing, fundraising, team building, and more! Compete at events on the playing field and for awards. Tap into education and career discovery opportunities and scholarship and career connections.
Lights, camera STEAM! Join our team today
2023 –2024 Schedule of Events
May 15, 2023 – FIRST Registration opens – Online
September 9, 2023 – FIRST Tech Challenge Kickoff event – Hartfield Academy – Flowood, MS
September 25, 2023 – Mississippi registration opens
October – November -Various Build-it Days/ Scrimmages – TBA
December 2, 2023 – Brandon Qualifier – Brandon High School – Brandon, MS
December 9, 2023 – Tupelo Qualifier – Tupelo Middle School – Tupelo, MS
January 13, 2024 – Biloxi Qualifier – St. Patrick’s Catholic School – Biloxi, MS
January 27, 2024 – Grenada Qualifier – Grenada High School – Grenada, MS
February 3, 2024 – Wesson Qualifier – Wesson Attendance Center – Wesson, MS
February 10 – 2024 – Meridian Qualifier – The Lamar School – Meridian, MS
March TBD, 2024 – Mississippi FIRST Tech Challenge Championship – University of Mississippi – Oxford, MS
April 16-20, 2024 – FIRST Championship – George R. Brown Convention Center – Houston, TX
The kickoff of the CENTERSTAGE season will take place on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at Hartfield Academy (1240 Luckney Rd, Flowood, MS 39232). The agenda for the day is as follows:
8:15 – 9:00 Check-in / Meet& Greet / Guess the Game Element
9:15 – 10:15 Breakout Sessions #1
10:30 – 12:15 Review & Introduce CENTERSTAGE / Game Q&A
12:15 – 1:00 Lunch (Concession stand by Team #6302)
1:00 – 1:50 Breakout Sessions #2
2:00 – 2:50 Breakout Sessions #3
3:00 – 3:30 Wrap up / Final Q&A / Door prize drawings
Breakout sessions will cover:
- 3-D printing
- CAD modeling
- Drivetrain designs
- How judging works,
- Scouting tips
- Coaches Track
To register for the kickoff, please complete this form.
2023-2024 Qualifiers
Registration link for all Qualifiers – TBA
December 2, 2023 – Brandon Qualifier – Brandon High School – Brandon, MS
December 9, 2023 – Tupelo Qualifier – Tupelo Middle School – Tupelo, MS
January 13, 2024 – Biloxi Qualifier – St. Patrick’s Catholic School – Biloxi, MS
January 27, 2024 – Grenada Qualifier – Grenada High School – Grenada, MS
February 3, 2024 – Wesson Qualifier – Wesson Attendance Center – Wesson, MS
February 10, 2024 – Meridian Qualifier – The Lamar School – Meridian, MS
For additional information, please contact:
Center for Mathematics and Science Education
The University of Mississippi
1111 Jackson Avenue W., Suite Q
P.O. Box 1848
University, MS 38677
Phone: (662) 915-6621
Fax: (662) 915-1762
Email: first@olemiss.edu
FIRST® ENERGIZESM presented by Qualcomm is our energy-related themed competition session for 2022-2023. From the machines that move us to the wireless technologies that connect us, how we grow our food to how we build and illuminate the places we call home, energy is the essential resource that keeps the world running.
Each time we plug in, fuel up, turn a key, flip a switch, or press a button to make something go, we’re using energy that’s delivered to us in many different ways.
As the world becomes increasingly connected, this is the moment for us to get energized about innovation. Together, with bold thinking and limitless collaboration, we have the power to reimagine the future of energy at any level, to power any idea or innovation we can imagine. What you challenge yourself to create will energize you, our FIRST community, and maybe even the world.
➾ What is FIRST Tech Challenge?
It’s way more than building robots. FIRST Tech Challenge teams (up to 15 team members, grades 7-12) are challenged to design, build, program, and operate robots to compete in a head-to-head challenge in an alliance format. Participants call it “the hardest fun you’ll ever have!”
Guided by adult coaches and mentors, students develop STEM skills and practice engineering principles, while realizing the value of hard work, innovation, and working as a team.The robot kit is reusable from year-to-year and can be coded using a variety of levels of Java-based programming. Teams design and build robots, raise funds, design and market their team brand, and do community outreach to earn specific awards. Participants are eligible to apply for over $80M in college scholarships throughout the country.
Find out more information at http://www.firstinspires.org/ftc.
➾ Get Involved
There are many ways to get involved with the Mississippi FIRST Tech Challenge program. Individuals can power tomorrow’s future by mentoring teams, volunteering at tournaments, or joining committees to help organize events.
FIRST Tech Challenge is supported by a growing network of sponsors that provide funding, mentorship, time, talent, equipment, and more. We share the same neighborhoods, challenges, and dreams for our future. FIRST Tech Challenge is privileged to have the support of some of the most respected organizations in the world.
Together we build the future!