FIRST Robotics Competition and National Society of Black Engineers

Description

FIRST Robotics Challenge (FRC) and ACCESS NSBE Jr. Chapter

🔬 Exploring the Systems That Sustain Life

The 2026–2027 FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC®) season, BIOCORE™ presented by Haas, challenges high school students to apply engineering, technology, and innovation to explore the biological systems that sustain life on Earth. Beginning with a Kit of Parts, teams will design, build, and program industrial-sized robots while investigating the complex connections between engineering, science, and the living world.

Students will work collaboratively in a competitive environment that encourages creativity, critical thinking, and leadership while preparing for future careers in STEM.

🎯 What Students Will Do

• Design, build, and program a competition-ready robot using the FIRST Kit of Parts.
• Analyze and solve engineering challenges inspired by biological systems and sustainability.
• Compete in alliance-based matches with teams from across New England.
• Develop skills in:
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Systems
• Programming and Automation
• Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
• Project Management
• Public Speaking and Presentation
• Fundraising and Marketing
• Participate in the NSBE Jr. Chapter, gaining exposure to:
• STEM career pathways
• Leadership development
• College readiness
• Networking opportunities with STEM professionals
• Community service and outreach initiatives
• Attend Regional (November 19th-22nd in Albany, NY) and National Conferences (March 31 to April 4, 2027 in Boston, MA)- Additional Fees required
• Virtual PSAT and SAT Tutoring

🗓️ Program Timeline

📌 Fall Training & Orientation

Start Date: September 10, 2026

Meetings:

• Thursdays, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Students will learn the fundamentals of robotics, engineering design, programming, teamwork, and competition preparation.

📌 Build Season & Competition Preparation

Challenge Release Date: January 9, 2027

Weekly Meetings (January 9th – April  30, 2027):

• Mondays: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Tuesdays: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Thursdays: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Saturdays: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

During build season, students will design, prototype, manufacture, test, and refine their robots while preparing for competition events.

📌 Competition Season

Students will participate in New England FIRST Robotics Competition District Events during March and April 2027, competing alongside some of the region's top robotics teams.

📍 Location

University of Bridgeport

Harrison Sterns Manufacturing Building

Mandeville Hall

Bridgeport, Connecticut

💲 Program Fee

$200 per student

🏆 Beyond the Build

Students will have opportunities to compete for:

• Engineering Inspiration Awards
• Industrial Design Awards
• Innovation in Control Awards
• Team Spirit Awards
• Community Impact and Outreach Recognition
• Advancement to District Championship and World Championship events

Participants also serve as STEM ambassadors, inspiring younger students and strengthening the STEM ecosystem throughout the Greater Bridgeport region through mentoring, demonstrations, and community engagement.

🌟 Building Future STEM Leaders

Through FIRST Robotics and NSBE Jr., students gain more than technical skills they develop confidence, leadership, resilience, and a strong network of peers and professionals who support their journey toward college, careers, and lifelong success.

In-Person Instruction

Cost

• 1 payment of $200.00 , or
• 4 payments of $50.00 every month starting on 9/10/2026