Chesapeake Regional FRC

The annual Chesapeake Regional brings together high school robotics teams from across the region to compete at the XFINITY Center. Past results are available for 2012 through 2015, with awards, kickoff events, and team resources rounding out the season. The event draws teams, families, and spectators for an unforgettable display of engineering and teamwork.

Maryland FIRST serves as the operational partner for US FIRST across the state, bringing robotics and STEM education to young people from ages four through eighteen. The organization coordinates a full spectrum of programs that span from early elementary through high school, ensuring that every age group has access to hands-on learning experiences that build confidence, creativity, and technical skills in a supportive team environment.

The four flagship programs — FRC, FTC, FLL, and Jr.FLL — each offer a distinct challenge tailored to different grade levels and skill sets. Teams design, build, and program robots to compete in themed challenges that change each season, encouraging students to think critically, collaborate effectively, and apply engineering principles in real-world scenarios while having fun alongside their peers.

Starting a team in your school or community group is one of the most impactful ways to get involved. Maryland FIRST provides guidance, resources, and connections to help new teams navigate the registration process, secure equipment, and find the support they need. No prior robotics experience is required, and the organization welcomes participants from all backgrounds.

Mentors and coaches play a vital role in shaping the experience of every robotics team. By sharing professional expertise in engineering, programming, design, or project management, adult volunteers help students develop technical competence while also modeling leadership, perseverance, and teamwork. The mentor-student relationship often becomes one of the most rewarding aspects of the program.

Volunteers are the backbone of every competition, workshop, and event that Maryland FIRST organizes throughout the season. From judging and refereeing to managing logistics and assisting with setup, there are countless ways to contribute behind the scenes. The volunteer event calendar makes it easy to find opportunities that match your availability and interests.

The competition season brings together teams from across the region for qualifiers, league meets, and championship events. These gatherings are energetic celebrations of innovation where students showcase their robots, present their engineering notebooks, and connect with fellow participants. The atmosphere blends friendly competition with community spirit and mutual support.

Workshops and training days offered throughout the year help teams sharpen their skills and prepare for upcoming challenges. Sessions cover topics such as mechanical design, programming fundamentals, strategic planning, and presentation techniques. These educational opportunities are open to students, coaches, and mentors alike, fostering continuous learning across the community.

Maryland FIRST maintains an active presence on social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, where followers can find event photos, season updates, and highlights from competitions. The organization also shares blog posts, press releases, and alumni stories that celebrate the achievements and growth of the Maryland robotics community.

Sponsorship and community partnerships are essential to sustaining and expanding access to robotics programs across Maryland. Businesses, foundations, and individual donors contribute resources that help cover team grants, event costs, and equipment needs. In return, sponsors gain visibility within a network of educators, families, and future innovators who are passionate about STEM education.