FIRST

FIRST® Robotics

Build • Code • Innovate • Belong

Through FIRST® robotics programs, students learn to design, build, code, solve problems, communicate ideas, and work as part of a team.

 

Edison Kids provides competitive robotics opportunities for students in the Jacksonville area while working in partnership with Swampbots to expand access for students in Alachua County. From a child’s first LEGO® robot to the advanced engineering of FIRST® Tech Challenge, students can find a place to grow, compete, and discover what they are capable of.

Maverick Robotics

Jacksonville & Surrounding Communities

Maverick Robotics is Edison Kids’ competitive robotics program serving homeschool students in the Jacksonville area and surrounding communities.

Although the Maverick Robotics name was officially adopted in 2019, our history with FIRST began years earlier when our found coach, now in her 11th season coaching, brough two students to a FIRST LEGO League Explore festival at LEGOLAND. What began with one small team grew into a program serving students across multiple ages, competition levels, and locations.

Our teams have earned recognition at Regional, State, National, and International events. One student received the prestigious honor of being named a Dean’s List Finalist at the World Festival. 

Today, Maverick Robotics continues to provide students with serious, high-quality robotics training in an environment that values teamwork, innovation, perseverance and belonging.

Join a Maverick Team

Swampbots Robotics

Alachua County & Surrounding Communities

Edison Kids is proud to work in partnership with Swampbots to provide FIRST robotics opportunities for studen ts in Alachua County.

Swampbots shares our commitment to making meaningful STEM education accessible to students, including families in rural and homeschool communities. Their experienced coaches have built and exceptional robotics program with a history of competitive success at international levels, strong student mentorship, and a genuine investment in the young people they serve.

Together, Edison Kids and Swampbots are creating a stronger pathway for students to participate in FIRST, develop advanced STEM skills, and become part of a supportive robotics community.

Join a Maverick Team

More Than Building Robots

FIRST robotics gives students a place to put STEM skills into action. Each season, teams work together to solve a new challenge while developing skills that reach far beyond the competition field.

Students learn:
  • Robot design and engineering
  • Coding and autonomous programming
  • Creative problem-solving
  • Teamwork and leadership
  • Research and innovation
  • Public speaking and presentation skills
  • Project planning and time management
  • Resilience, confidence, and gracious professionalism

For homeschool students especially, FIRST provides the opportunity to be part of a committed team, build lasting friendships, and experience the excitement of working toward a shared goal.

Our FIRST Programs

Ages 9 - 14

FIRST LEGO League Challenge

Students design and program an autonomous LEGO® robot to complete missions while also researching a real-world problem and developing an innovative solution. Teams compete in robot performance, robot design, innovation, and core values.

Ages 12-18

FIRST TECH Challenge

FTC takes students beyond LEGO robotics and into a more advanced engineering experience. Teams design, build, wire, and program a competition robot while developing skills in CAD, fabrication, strategy, outreach, leadership, and project management. Matches combine autonomous programming with student-controlled gameplay, giving students experience that closely reflects real-world engineering and technology careers.