How to choose a team

FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) teams are smaller, allowing participants to be involved in every part of the robot-building process and non technical areas (design, cad, build, programming, documentation and presentation). 

It is ideal for self-motivated learners who enjoy hands-on work and want to explore all aspects of robotics- technical and non-technical.

The FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) team operates on a much larger scale and is structured like a mini company. Students specialize in a certain area such as strategy, CAD, build, programming or business with mentorship from professionals.

It’s a strong fit for students interested in large-scale engineering, leadership roles in project management, learning marketing skills, or gaining experience working within a highly structured team similar to a real-world engineering firm.

For the evening programs, we sort students based on commitment and affinity. This is what we believe gives the best experience for our students. The robotics room is open 3 days a week, and teams choose 2 or 3 of those days to meet. Students who participate in VIQRC after school at Valley View Middle School are able to join our evening programs as well.

7000 RoboSharks: This team is dedicated to high schoolers. This team is expected to take on more responsibility in regards to outreach events and leadership.

21606 Method 2R Madness: This team focuses on the technical skills - CAD, Build, Electronic and Programming. Mentors are here 3 days a week with an expectation of students attending at least twice a week. This team expects dedication and there will be work to do outside of the regular meetings.

22072 Capybotas: A team that loves to build and drive robots and have a good time doing so. Now that they have learned the importance of staying focused - they meet twice a week but make sure they work hard while they are here.  Will meet more often when it is closer to the competition. (New for the 2025-26 season (hot off the rumor mill): there is speculation by some that this team will grow too large and split into two teams. How these teams are run is completely undecided as of yet).

22074 Ignition 2031: Our 6th grade team. All 6th graders are placed on a 6th grade team, with an expectation of parents to help support the team. We teach you what you need to know, but want your involvement as well. The goal is to give 6th graders a good foundation of skills to help them in future years.

All-Girls Team: This is new for the 2025-26 season! This team is in the stages of forming and is not a guarantee- yet.