The cool thing about FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is…all skill levels are welcomed and needed, technical or non-technical. Student and adult team members are encouraged to bring any skills they already have, like coding, electronics, metalworking, graphic design, web creation, public speaking, videography, and more. Adult coaches guide students as they gain skills and confidence in a supportive, inclusive environment.

Each team works together to design, build, and program a robot by exploring advanced engineering concepts, brainstorming innovative ideas, and developing career-ready practices. Participants have access to over $80 million in scholarships to colleges, universities, and technical programs.

USC ROBOTICS CLUB

Our Robotics team is part of the USC Robotics Club. USC Robotics Club is an extracurricular activity rooted at Upper St Clair High School in Pittsburgh, PA that has expanded throughout the Upper St Clair School District to bring STEAM enrichment opportunities K-12.  The mission of this club is to use the avenue of robotics to give students practical applications of problem-solving, engineering, programming, entrepreneurship, teamwork, and so much more.  This club is a true collaboration between students, parents, faculty, community members, and local businesses.  

COMPETITIVE ROBOTICS INITIATIVES

• 5 FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Teams at Upper St Clair High School (60+ students)
• 11 FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Challenge Teams for our middle school students at Boyce and Fort Couch (70+ students)
• NEW THIS YEAR – 18 FIRST LEGO League Explore teams at all 3 USC elementary schools (140+ students)

NON-COMPETTIVES ROBOTICS INITIATIVES

• USC High School after-school, non-competitive robotics club exploring robotics through various kits and experiences (20+ students)
• Fort Couch after-school, non-competitive robotics club exploring robotics with LEGO SPIKE Prime Sets (40+ students)
• Boyce after-school, non-competitive robotics club exploring robotics with LEGO SPIKE Prime Sets (80+ students)

OUTREACH

• Host FIRST LEGO League Challenge event for the Southwestern PA territory at USC High School (November 9, 2024)
• Host FIRST Tech Challenge qualifiers for the Southwestern PA territory at Boyce Middle School (February 22-23, 2025)
• Outreach Workshops at USC elementary schools using Sphero Indi and VEX Go Kits
• Host Remake Learning Day events (May 2025)