The robotics club is involved in the FIRST robotics program. The FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) is an international high school robotics competition. Each year, teams of high school students, coaches and mentors work during a six-week period to build game-playing robots that weigh up to 125 pounds. Robots complete tasks such as scoring balls into goals, flying discs into goals, inner tubes onto racks, hanging on bars, and balancing robots on balance beams. The game, along with the required set of tasks, changes annually. While teams are given a standard set of parts, they are also allowed a budget and are encouraged to buy or make specialized parts.

FIRST Robotics Competition has a unique culture, built around two values. "Gracious Professionalism" embraces the competition inherent in the program, but rejects trash talk and chest-thumping, instead embracing empathy and respect for other teams. "Cooperation" emphasizes that teams can cooperate and compete at the same time. The goal of the program is to inspire students to be science and technology leaders.

Any questions can be answered by Mark Hellebuyck, lead mentor. (989) 893-9541 (ext. 1322), or hellebuyckm@bcschools.net