Programs
Real engineering. Real skills. Career-ready.
A Decade of Building the Future
Since 2015, STEM+C has been a proud partner with FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). Over 10+ years, we've grown from a small FLL team into a sustainable, community-driven robotics program—progressing through FLL, FTC, and now FRC. Our longevity reflects our commitment to the students and families we serve.
Two Teams, One Tie Dye Family
STEM+C fields two active FIRST teams so students can start in middle school and grow all the way through competitive robotics — from FTC to FRC and beyond.
FIRST Tech Challenge
Grades 6-9
Our middle-school program: students design, build, and program mid-sized robots for an alliance-based game — the perfect on-ramp to competitive robotics and a feeder to our FRC team.
- ✓ Hands-on engineering built for grades 6-9
- ✓ CAD, fabrication & programming fundamentals
- ✓ Teamwork, gracious professionalism & problem-solving
- ✓ A clear pathway into high-school FRC and beyond
Time Commitment
- Pre-season: ~1-2 meetings/week, lighter schedule
- Build & competition (fall–winter): 2-3 meetings/week, occasional weekends
FIRST Robotics Competition
Grades 9-12
Our high-school program: an industry-grade engineering challenge where students design, build, program, and compete with full-sized (115 lb) robots at regional and national events.
- ✓ Mechanical Design & CAD, fabrication, and 3D printing
- ✓ Software & control systems for a competition robot
- ✓ Project management, business & outreach
- ✓ Mentorship from professional engineers; scholarship pathways
Time Commitment
- Off-season: ~2 hrs/week in-person + independent learning
- Build season (Jan–Apr): intensive — weekday meetings & weekend sessions
Across both programs, students gain the same skills driving the growing automation industry — and FIRST alumni are among the most sought-after candidates for robotics and engineering careers.
We're community-based and open to students from any school — or homeschool — in the greater Gilbert, Arizona area.
No experience required. Just curiosity, commitment, and a willingness to try (and sometimes fail).
Get InvolvedOur Journey
We didn't start with 115-pound robots. Like many successful FIRST teams, we built our foundation one season at a time—learning, growing, and developing the mentorship and infrastructure needed to sustain a competitive robotics program for the long haul.
FIRST LEGO League (FLL)
Team 11234
2015–2017
Where it all began. Elementary and middle school students learned the fundamentals of teamwork, problem-solving, and STEM through LEGO robotics.
FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC)
2018–2025
Seven seasons of proven success—Arizona State Championship qualifiers every year, with grand finals appearances in five seasons. Students advanced to metal fabrication, Java programming, and CAD design—building the skills and culture that define us today. Our Tie Dye Jedi now carry on the FTC tradition for grades 6-9.
The result? A sustainable program with experienced mentors, established sponsors, and a proven track record of developing students who go on to top universities and careers in robotics, automation, and advanced manufacturing—the fastest-growing sectors in technology.