FIRST Tech Challenge Academy, PD In-Person (Fresno, CA), July 13-17, 2026

FIRST® Tech Challenge Academy Course Description(grades 7-12)

Join us for FIRST® Tech Challenge Academy in-person professional development at Career Technical Education Charter High School in Fresno, CA. You will work with other educators during this five-day, 40 hour learning experience that provides you with all the tools you need to facilitate this FIRST® program and achieve STEM learning objectives in your classroom.

This professional development is designed for new and inexperienced teachers, facilitators, coaches, and mentors to enhance their overall FIRST® program knowledge.

PLEASE NOTE: This course is more intense than our two-day sessions, please read the description carefully to choose the best option for you. The Academy starts on Monday, July 13, 2026 through Friday, July 17, 2026 from 8:30am - 5:30pm. Please make travel arrangements to allow to attend ALL sessions the full amount of time.

As a participant in the FIRST® Tech Challenge immersive learning experience you will:

• Work in small groups with other attendees using a FIRST® Tech Challenge REV robot
• Understand how to code using Blockly programming software
• Explore the essential components of the FIRST® Tech Challenge program
• Feel comfortable using hardware and software components of FIRST Tech Challenge robotics kits in addition to fabrication techniques and 3D printing
• Understand how to code using Blockly programming software using autonomous and remote-control utilizing Tensor Flow, Inertial Measurement Units, and Sensors
• Utilize, model, and reinforce the FIRST ® Core Values
• Learn how to facilitate hands-on activities for the classroom or after-school programs and more
• Participate in the FIRST® experience from a student's point of view and more!

FIRST® will provide for use during professional development:

• REV robot including the Control and Communication Set and Electronics Module and Sensor Set

You need to bring:

• Computer with software downloaded* and Internet Access - Windows preferred

*Note: please download, install, and update the software before arriving to the training: REV Hardware client – https://docs.revrobotics.com/rev-hardware-client/. This program is needed for all electronic hardware used to build the FIRST® Tech Challenge robot. This program only operates on MS Windows OS device. There is no Apple OS version at this time.

Mac Users: Please note that an Apple OS version of the hardware client is currently unavailable. To update the firmware and hardware, please refer to the FIRST® Tech Challenge support documentation for detailed instructions on utilizing Manual Update Method 2 as outlined by REV. Instruction are found at https://ftc-docs.firstinspires.org/en/latest/ftc_sdk/updating/controlhub_os/Updating-the-Control-Hub-OS.html

LOCAL HOTEL OPTIONS

LOCAL FOOD OPTIONS

Please contact the Professional Services department if you have additional questions FIRSTProfessionalServices@firstinspires.org.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

Participant Cancellation - Paid FIRST® Professional Development is nonrefundable. If you are unable to attend the paid Professional Development and need to cancel your registration, you may reschedule up to one time to a future date, but within 12 months of the original date. Substitutions (one individual for another) are allowed at any time. Please let us know your intent within 72 hours before the start date by sending an email to FIRSTProfessionalServices@firstinspires.org. If you do not cancel within 72 hours and do not attend the workshop you will forfeit the opportunity to reschedule.

NOTE: If you reside in Connecticut, Hawaii, New Mexico, South Dakota, or West Virginia sales tax applies. Please email FIRSTProfessionalServices@firstinspires.org to receive registration payment instructions for these states, or to provide us with a tax exempt form. Full payment must be received for admission to this session. If payment is received without applicable taxes, we will contact you.