Join AMOEBA Robotics

 
 

AMOEBA’s Program Structure

AMOEBA Robotics is moving to expand our reach and invite more students to participate in FIRST® Tech Challenge. Applications to our program will be reviewed by program leadership, and students will be placed on a team which best suits their schedule and interests.

Be sure to read through the following information about our overall AMOEBA program structure, how we plan to develop new teams, process applications, and more before submitting your application linked at the end of the page.

AMOEBA Robotics is currently seeking a new practice space before the next season begins. If you’re interested in helping out, follow this link to Learn More >

 

Season Timeline & Schedule

The FTC Season Kickoff is typically on the first Saturday in September, when we are first introduced to the season’s game. The regular season ends with a State Championship, typically in late February or early March. From the State Championship, teams may advance to the FIRST Championship in late April.

During the season, teams typically meet twice a week, or more as needed. We aim for approximately 8 hours per week of regular, in-person meetings, but also regularly partake in events outside of meeting time. These include meets/competitions and community outreach events on evenings and weekends.

Depending on goals and expectations, FTC teams find success with students working anywhere from 5-20 hours per week. This time can be distributed between in-person meetings at our facility, online meetings/calls, and homework/individual work outside of meeting times.

When applying to the program, please provide your most accurate estimate of availability (hours per week) that you can commit to FTC. This will help our program leadership group students into teams with similar expectations.

 

Application Process

  • Students that are located within the general Wilmington area and will be 7th-12th grade students during the 2025/2026 season are invited to apply. There is no application fee.

    Interested applicants will submit a form (via Google Forms) to AMOEBA Robotics for consideration.

    Historically, we have hosted a competitive program with limited spots - we do, however, encourage all to apply, with or without previous hands-on robotics experience. Our program thrives when a diverse group of students is passionate, dedicated to robotics, and excited to develop many skill areas - including technical skills, project management, community engagement, budgeting, game strategy, and more!

  • Applications will be reviewed by program leadership, and may result in follow-up emails with prospective students and mentors to successfully build out our organization. All applicants must attend one of a few Open House events at our practice space.

    More information about practice schedules, expectations, dues, and a season calendar will be provided by program leadership.

  • Applicants will be notified of an offer to join the program with relevant information about which team they are invited to join, initial meetings, etc. Students will be asked to accept their position before official team rosters are set.

    If applicants do not receive an offer for the upcoming season, they will receive notice in a timely manner that they are no longer in consideration. While we are sad to turn away any applicant, we encourage students to explore FTC involvement as a new team or with another program near you - we will do our best to connect you with resources and programs that have opportunities available. We also encourage reapplication in future seasons!

 

New Student Applications

We are not currently accepting applications. If you’d like, please leave us your email in the form below, and we’ll send out a note when our applications are open!

Adult Mentors / Coaches

AMOEBA is actively seeking Coaches, Mentors, and Advisors. If you are interested in supporting the program with your time, expertise, transportation, or otherwise, please complete the interest form to get in touch with our team leadership and find a level of involvement that works for you!

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • FIRST is a global organization dedicated to educating youth about the power of STEM in a friendly competition setting. Programs include FIRST Lego League, FIRST Tech Challenge, and FIRST Robotics Competition. FIRST Tech Challenge teams (up to 15 team members, grades 7-12) design, build, program, and operate robots to compete in a head-to-head challenge in an alliance format. Guided by adult coaches and mentors, students develop STEM skills and practice engineering processes. Teams build robots, raise funds, design and market their team brand, and do community outreach to win specific awards.

    The Delaware FTC season begins in September, includes 3-5 local meets from November to February, and concludes with a State Championship in early spring.

    • Compete in an exciting, real-world engineering challenge.

    • Learn programming, design principles, computer aided design, time management, organizational skills, and more.

    • Participate in developing team strategies and culture with unique leadership opportunities.

    • Experience hands-on STEM with access to lab space and technical mentorship.

    • Connect with team mentors, sponsors, and students from other schools.

    • Access to many college scholarship opportunities.

    • Must be a rising 7th to 12th grade student (grade level in Fall 2025).

    • No previous experience or skills are required. However, we do expect a willingness to learn an strong interest in contributing to the team.

  • Programming - Create robot autonomous paths and driver controls using Blocks or Java

    Design/CAD - Develop robot components with computer aided design tools (Solidworks, OnShape)

    Build - Construct prototypes, fabricate and assemble mechanical components

    Documentation - Assemble an engineering portfolio that captures team goals and journey

    Outreach - Lead community events, demos, summer camps, and contact sponsors

    Connections - Email sponsors and donors, meet with other teams, support the Delaware FTC program

    Social Media - Promote the team with updates on Instagram, X (Twitter), and Facebook

    Project Management - Oversee team progress, delegate tasks, create agendas, lead meetings