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Center for Mathematics and Science Education
The University of Mississippi

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

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.

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➾ 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!