FIRST Robotics Competition

FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) is one of FIRST's two high school programs. In FRC, student teams work with mentors to build, program and compete with 120lb robots made of mostly aluminum, polycarbonate, and other real-world materials. Students learn robot design concepts, machining, welding, and programming the robot. Students also learn how to fundraise, communicate with professionals, publicize, manage finances, and lead, preparing them for future careers and college.

Scroll down to learn more about how TRC’s FRC runs, or learn more about the official FIRST Robotics Competition here.

The Timeline

  • Registration for summer training opens May.

    These programs are open to all International high schoolers. Students choose from a variety of programs of varying complexity, taught by student leadership and STEM professionals:

    • Computer Aided Design (CAD)

    • Mechanical 101

    • Safety Training

    • Beginner Programming

    • Intermediate Programming

    • Advanced Programming

    Interested in summer training? Contact us to receive information when details are released.

  • Official FRC registration begins on International’s Back-to-Business Day in August, and is usually open until late September.

    Members spend the fall season completing additional training, settling into their chosen subteams, and gearing up for offseason competitions.

    TRC usually participates in two offseason competitions— Bordie, hosted by Sammamish High School, and WA Girls Generation, hosted by Tahoma High School. It’s a great opportunity to experience competition strategy, atmosphere, and drive team.

  • The official season of FRC kicks off on the first weekend of January, and all members go to warehouse for strategy and team-building activities.

    From there, students have just 6 weeks to build and program an effective robot and take it to competition in March — April. This is the busiest time of the year, and each student gets hands-on experience contributing in a variety of ways, technical and nontechnical.

    TRC will go to 2 regional competitions, and depending on results, may qualify for PNW District Championships or even World Championships in Houston.

A Subteam for Everyone

  • Mechanical

    Design with CAD, prototype, and test your own ideas on complex problems. With access to a shop full of tools and machines, students get hands-on engineering experience under the guidance of STEM professionals.

  • Programming

    Take basic Java knowledge to a new level with real-world applications! By using the expansive TRC library, students will do everything from writing a complete 15-second autonomous routine to programming specific mechanisms.

  • Business

    What does it take to run a nonprofit organization? Students will organize fundraisers, concessions, plan budgets, network with sponsors, and more through this rewarding experience with meaningful community impact.

  • Outreach

    Make a difference by spreading FIRST and STEAM to the community! Outreach students host seminars, present at science fairs, and even engage with state legislators to ensure STEAM accessibility for all.

  • Media

    Put the “A” in STEAM with this subteam! Students document club activities, design everything from murals to stickers to flyers, manage the website, and make the magic of STEAM come alive through our club social medias!

  • Awards

    Learn the important skills of leadership, communication, and project management! Awards focuses on documenting and presenting TRC’s club accomplishments and community impact to competition judges.

Beyond the Build Season

STUDENT LEADERSHIP

TRC places an emphasis on student-led club operations with mentor support. Thus, TRC offers a variety of leadership pathways and opportunities for students of different skillsets. See our team leadership here.

SUSTAINABLE MENTORSHIP

Students themselves become the mentors in TRC’s student mentorship programs. Members teach FIRST LEGO League to elementary and middle schoolers across two schools— Jing Mei Elementary and our own International School.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

TRC is not just about robotics, it’s about community. Students are encouraged to engage in, assist with, and even lead dozens of community engagement and outreach initiatives throughout their time in the club.

“The biggest reason I stayed in was it was a really great community to be part of.”

Daniel Koo, Class of 2023

“The many late nights I spent at the mechanical shop… made us really tight knit and feel like a family.”

Tim Xu, Class of 2023

“I think it was really fun.”

Nathan Sun, Class of 2024

The FRC Experience

“Thank you, to everyone involved— for providing this challenge, this kind of learning environment, one where students can only succeed when they work together.”

Paul Malmsten, Class of 2012

“The energy and the atmosphere of FIRST was truly inspiring, I met so many close friends through robotics.”

Aivy Wang, Class of 2024

“We pushed each other to do better, in and out of robotics.”

Rachel Koo, Class of 2017

“In TRC, I learned more than just engineering. I learned about communication, working in a team, and a lot about leadership. I now use those skills every day, and I’m sure I will use them in the future.”

William Barber, Class of 2023