High School Programs

Competitive Robotics Program

USC’s high school competitive robotics teams compete in the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Competition. The really cool thing about FTC is… all skill levels are welcomed and needed, technical or non-technical. Student and adult team members are encouraged to bring any skills they already have, like coding, electronics, metalworking, graphic design, web creation, public speaking, videography, and more. Adult coaches guide students as they gain skills and confidence in a supportive, inclusive environment.

Each team works together to design, build, and program a robot for a unique game each year by exploring advanced engineering concepts, brainstorming innovative ideas, and developing career-ready practices. 

USC Robotics teams value running outreach opportunities to educate and inspire people of all ages in the greater Pittsburgh area. 

Teams also visit various companies and conferences to learn about STEAM careers and to get advice as they embark on their own engineering journey. 

USC students in grades 9 through 12 are able to participate on a competitive robotics team.  Expecting to have approximately 5 teams annually with a maximum of 15 students per team, there is a lot of room for involvement.  There is a program coordinator for the high school competitive teams, but the coaching for each team is done by a minimum of 2 volunteer parent coaches per team along with the support of additional mentors.  

Teams meet in the evening and on the weekend, based on coach availability, and are expected to invest an average of 6-10 hours per week into their team. The regional FTC season ends by March.  Select teams may be invited to compete at the state and national level during March through June based on their performance.

Teams are encouraged to create a website to showcase their efforts.  Visit the “Meet Our Teams” page for links to each team’s website. To learn more about FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), visit the FTC website.