This application should be filled out by students. Please read the following information with your parents/guardians before filling out the application. Turn your application in no later than August 20th.
Columbus Robotics is a non-profit corporation focused on STEM inspiration in the local community. The organization provides guidance and mentorship to middle school and high school students via FIRST robotics programs, as well as opportunity for community outreach via STEM camps and other events delivered by Columbus Robotics students to children in the community.
For the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) program, we invite students from grades 7 or higher to apply. Students on the team will work with mentors to develop technical and business skills, ultimately to design, build, and program a robot that can compete against other teams, develop presentations & videos for award applications, and promote STEM in our local community. Being on the team is more than just about the mechanical and software components of robot. Creative individuals with interest in art, presentations, videography, website design, marketing, fundraising, etc. are highly encouraged to apply. The team mentors are professionals from the community volunteering their time. We encourage parent volunteers to support the teams as well. The typical FTC season goes from late August through March, depending on how far the team advances. The team size is limited to maintain appropriate student/mentor ratio, so the admission process can be quite competitive. The students will be assessed solely based on this application.
- A strong focus on core values that help build individuals who are innovative, collaborative, and graciously professional.
- Lot of room for creativity due to use of non-standard parts for building the robots. You are not restricted to a kit of parts.
- Opportunity to learn and apply engineering principles, business processes, creativity, & real world problem solving skills
- Opportunity to build/enhance videography and animation skills
- It is truly MORE THAN ROBOTS!
Meeting time:
Team Expectations
Robotics team members are expected to:
- Make robotics a priority and to attend required practices. There will be a minimum of three 2-hour practices a week, with additional practices added as needed closer to competition season. Team members shall miss no more than 2 required practices a month
- Be dropped off and picked up from practice on time
- Follow the instructions of adult mentors and parent volunteers
- Participate in outreach events & competitions. Competitions will take place on Saturdays all over the state. We will attend 3-4 competitions. This is an all-day commitment for families.
- Behave responsibly and respectfully at practices, competitions & other events while representing Columbus Robotics
- While there is no fee to join the team, each team member will be required to participate in fundraising activities. The expectation is that each student should raise at least $150 for the team.
Students who do not meet these expectations may be asked to leave the team.
If you are interested in applying to be on the team, please fill out the application on the following pages.
