FIRST ROBOTICS COMPETITION: RAPID REACT
FIRST Robotics Competition combines the rigors of science with the excitement of sport to inspire an appreciation of science and technology among high school students. This spring, teams from the Kansas City region and beyond are putting their robots to the test during three regional competitions—two in the metro and one in Sedalia, Mo.
The first-place champions and select award winners from each regional will advance to the FIRST Championships in Houston this April to compete with teams from around the world in this season’s challenge, RAPID REACT.
INFO AT A GLANCE
Who
FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a national nonprofit founded in 1989 by inventor Dean Kamen to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. Teams use innovative engineering, creative thinking and teamwork as they work collaboratively to solve a yearly robotics challenge. With financial support from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, FIRST expanded rapidly in the Kansas City region beginning in the early 2000s. In 2022, the Western Missouri/Kansas Region (managed by the KC STEM Alliance) returns to three in-person regional FIRST Robotics Competition events of 25 to 30 teams each.
What
The FIRST Robotics Competition challenges high school students to construct a robot of their own in an annual themed challenge. Under strict rules, limited resources and the guidance of volunteer mentors including engineers, teachers, business professionals, parents, alumni and more, teams of 25+ students have roughly six weeks to build and program robots to perform challenging tasks against a field of competitors. They must also raise funds, design a team brand, hone teamwork skills and perform community outreach. In addition to learning valuable Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) and life skills, participants are eligible to apply for $50+ million in college scholarships.
About the RAPID REACT Challenge
In RAPID REACT presented by The Boeing Company, teams reimagine the future of safe, high-speed travel and lightning-fast deliveries to propel the next evolution of transportation forward – in this world and beyond. Watch the game animation for a closer look at RAPID REACT and important game details, rules, point-scoring, and game-play options.
The public is encouraged to attend, catch the excitement of this intense competition and cheer on their favorite teams. Admission is free. Masks may be required.
The Regionals
Heartland Regional // March 18-19 // Olathe South High School | 1640 E 151st St | Olathe, KS 66062
Greater Kansas City Regional // March 25-26 // Lee's Summit North High School | 901 NE Douglas St | Lee's Summit, MO 64086
Central Missouri Regional // April 2-3 // Smith-Cotton High School | 2010 Tiger Pride Boulevard | Sedalia, MO 65301
MORE THAN ROBOTS
It’s easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of the matches, but don’t forget to go behind the scenes to see all that goes into competition day. Wander the pits, where each team has a 10x10 space to house its robot and make adjustments and repairs between matches as well as showcase their community outreach and other work.
OPEN TO ALL MEDIA: If you would like to attend as media, please contact Callen Fairchild Zind, 816.564.9511 or czind@kcstem.org.