What is TechFire? What does the team do? I`m not really into math

What is TechFire?
What is the time commitment?
TechFire is a FIRST Robotics Competition
(FRC) team. Learn more about FIRST at
www.usfirst.org.
Over the summer and during the fall semester,
the team meets twice a week (T, Th) from 6-8
PM. After the challenge is released in Jan, the
team meets every day (6-9 PM) until midMarch. Meetings and drive practice may
continue until late April depending on team
advancement to a championship event.
Students are highly encouraged to attend all
scheduled meetings. However, occasional
absences are expected. Students holding
leadership positions are expected to meet
attendance requirements outlined by their
position.
What does the team do?
TechFire students compete in seven to ten
robotics competitions each year. The team
builds and designs a robot in January and
February, then competes throughout the rest
of the year. The team also participates in
outreach activities and gives robot demos in
the local community.
Visit our website at
www.techfire225.com
for more
information!
Where are the meetings held?
Who can join?
We meet at our workshop
250 N. Main St.
Jacobus, PA 17407
TechFire is open to students ages
13-18 from all schools
(homeschoolers included) in the
York and Lancaster areas.
I’m not really into math and science, can I still be part
of the team?
NO experience necessary!
Absolutely! Tech Fire is like a small business; students can be
involved in variety of activities on the team such as graphic
design, computer programming, manufacturing, marketing,
website design, media production, fundraising, public
relations etc. Students are not limited to one area and are free
to try many things. Students have the opportunity to work
with professionals toward producing a robot and running and
effective team. TechFire encourages growth in STEAM
(Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) concepts
by supplementing school work with practical experience.
[1]
What is the expected annual cost to be part of the team ?
TEAM 225
There is a $50 non-refundable membership fee due Dec 1st. This
covers the cost of 2 team shirts and snacks at meetings. The estimated
cost throughout the rest of the season is approximately $700 which
covers student hotel, food, and transportation costs. Fundraising events
will be held throughout the summer and fall to help offset these costs.
How is the team funded?
TechFire225 has an annual budget of approximately $30,000 and relies solely on
the gracious financial support and donations from the community for materials,
services, and other logistical assistance to remain operational and to keep moving
forward.
Who are the mentors?
Our mentors are engineers, technicians, business leaders,
and medical professionals who volunteer their time to help
the students successfully run the team. All mentors are
required to undergo a criminal background check prior to
working with the students.
Do I have to have a certain GPA to apply?
No, but students are expected to be in
good standing at their school and within
their community.
Can being on a FIRST team like TechFire help with college?
Many colleges and universities, professional associations, and corporations offer
college scholarships to high school students on FIRST teams. This is official
recognition of the knowledge and technical and life skills these students have
gained from participating in a FIRST competition. I want to join! What do I do next?
Make plans to attend a meeting and fill
out an application form!
"A reminder, the FIRST
competition is more than
robots. It's about people. It's about learning to work
together. It's working together
toward a shared goal, doing
teamwork. It's about finding
and using each individual's
unique talent to make the
project team greater than the
sum of its parts. It's about
applying skills that will lead
to success in whatever you do
in life." John Abele, Vice Chairman of the
Board, FIRST
[2]
Contact Vicki Rispoli at
[email protected] or (210) 315-2704
if you need more info.