Teams are typically run in conjunction with a school or other after school organization, however teams do not need to be associated with a school to participate.

First year teams should expect about $1000 in costs (annual + one time costs), which includes a LEGO robot kit (LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 or Robot Inventor; LEGO Education Spike PRIME or Spike Essential; NXT; or RCX). Returning teams only need to worry about $500 in annual costs (registration fees, materials, event fees, etc.).

The FIRST LEGO League Challenge Season in Central California starts with the Challenge Release in August and wraps up with the Central California Championship in mid-December. Teams typically start meeting in August, and they continue to meet until they attend a Qualifier starting in November. If teams are selected to move on, they will keep on meeting until the championship in December. We also encourage teams to host a celebration after their final event to wrap up the season!

FIRST and Central Valley Robotics may provide trainings and seminars to get teams started. Additionally, there is a plethora of information on the internet provided by teams and other partners. Be sure to check out the Trainings and Seminars page.