Professional Development in NC

FIRST ® Robotics Competition (FRC) combines the excitement of sports with the rigors of science and technology. High school students use sophisticated technology to build and program industrial-size robots for a challenging field game. Participants and alumni have access to education and career discovery opportunities, along with connections to scholarships and employers. It's a sport where all participants can go pro!

To help build experience and confidence, North Carolina educators are invited to participate in a four (4) day FIRST Robotics Professional Development (PD) Institute. This hands-on PD will provide a strong foundation and support system for teaching and mentoring FRC teams in North Carolina. Over the course of the professional development participants will build, wire and program a robot, as well as engage in the following:

During your chosen session you will use hands-on practice through modeling and demonstration of STEM learning objectives within FIRST programs. Each session is designed to: 

• Apply and facilitate a project-based learning environment through active engagement and hands-on learning
• Grow your knowledge, skills, and methods of STEM and robotics teaching methods
• Practice student elements of FRC and best practices for implementation
• Gather resources and engage with a community of FRC educators

Session Levels and Pricing*:

• FIRST Robotics Competition (Level 1) – 4 Days (24 hours) - $1000 per seat
• FIRST Robotics Competition (Level 2) – 3 Days (18 hours) - $500 per seat (will be offered summer 2026)

Certificates to use for continuing education or professional development credit are provided following the completion of the session. 

*We have grants and financial aid to help cover the cost of this PD. Please reach out to us at Education@firstnorthcarolina.org to apply for a PD grant today!