Apply now for the tenth annual Multinational Tech Invitational (MTI) - formerly the Maryland Tech Invitational - a highly competitive, tech focused, international, off-season FIRST® Tech Challenge tournament.  

Be part of the experience. Compete for team grants. Earn your place on the MTI field.  

Event Dates: June 26-28, 2026  

Location: Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, MD.  

Invitations are earned through on-field performance during the DECODE℠ season and demonstrated capability in the required solo match video submission.  

Application Deadline: Sunday, March 29, 2026  

Registration Fee: $800  

Important  

The MTI is not an FTC Premier Event. Teams must apply to be considered. Invitations are extended to top-performing robot game teams.  

Additional MTI opportunities include  

• STEM Exposition 

• Intern Networking Program.  

Questions? Direct them to info@mti.firstchesapeake.org 

Volunteers Needed at Upcoming FRC Events

It's our volunteers that make the magic of FRC happen, and we need you to join their ranks. This year we are currently short on a variety of roles. If you have parents who will be at the event, they can make great Practice Field Attendants or Queuers. Have a free weekend? Being a Judge at competitions your team is not attending is a great way to learn more about the judging process. There's a more detailed breakdown below.

Save the Date - FIRST Chesapeake Mentor Conference

The 2026 Geared Up: Mentor Conference is headed your way!

SAVE THE DATE: August 8, 2026! Join us at JMU Harrisonburg!



Plan for a day filled with knowledge-sharing, networking, and empowerment. For mentors in all FIRST programs. Save the date now, and watch this space and our website for more details!

Help Turn FIRST Grads to FIRST Alumni

Help us celebrate your graduates and keep them in the FIRST community. Your team’s growth in FIRST is something to be proud of. The skills your students have developed- curiosity, critical thinking, and collaboration-will stay with them beyond graduation. Many will pay it forward by becoming mentors and volunteers who inspire the next generation of STEM students and professionals. By supporting FIRST programs with their time and energy, your graduates ensure that more students gain the same skills, community, and inspiration that robotics provided them.

FIRST Chesapeake wants to support your graduates on the next steps of their journey. Every graduating FIRST team member is a potential volunteer, mentor, and coach.

Please share our graduating senior survey with your seniors so we can keep in touch, share local events and opportunities, and gauge their interest in supporting FIRST.

Become a Lead Volunteer!

FIRST Tech Challenge is only possible because of the dedication and expertise of its volunteers. At the core of every event are the Lead Volunteers, fulfilling vital roles to put on the game safely, fairly, and consistently. FIRST Chesapeake is seeking new applicants to expand our Lead Volunteer community. Roles include :

• Head Ref
• Field Technical Advisor
• Lead Robot Inspector
• Judge Advisor
• Equipment Manager
• Volunteer Coordinator
• Event Manager
• And More!!!

Do You Have What it Takes to Host FIRST Events?

Most of our events are hosted by teams and schools just like yours! Hosting a FIRST Event is an exciting way for FTC teams, schools, and organizations to support STEM education, gain behind-the-scenes experience in event management, and connect with other teams and volunteers. By hosting an event, you play a key role in making robotics accessible to more students while strengthening your own FTC community.

Fill out the survey, and you may be one of next years events! Read more at our website.

Team Mental Health Workshop

For those who missed our workshop on supporting student mental health, the recording is now availbile in the FIRST Chesapeake public Drive linked below.

Ready to Enroll in FTC Summer Academy 2026!

FIRST is gauging interest for this summer's FIRST Tech Challenge Academy in our District. This four-day intensive academy will provide hands-on training, coaching strategies, and exposure to FTC robotics for both new and experienced coaches. Are you interested in attending?

Who Should Attend

• New and prospective coaches
• Existing FTC coaches looking to deepen their technical and program management skills.
• Geared Up teacher-coaches ready to expand their technical acumen

What You You Learn

• Technical sessions (robot design, programming, control systems)
• FTC game strategy and team management
• Mock FTC events (students + teachers)
• Networking and mentor roundtables

If you are interested in learning more, fill out the survey below to let us know! See you on the field!