Join FIRST Robotics Team 151 — The Tough Techs
Real-World Engineering. Real-World Teamwork. Real-World Fun.
Imagine designing, building, and competing with a robot on a playing field like a professional sport, but powered by creativity, collaboration, and cutting-edge technology. That’s the heart of FIRST Robotics, and it’s what you’ll experience as part of Team 151, the Tough Techs. You’ll gain hands-on experience in mechanical design, programming, electronics, CAD, and more, guided by expert mentors and working alongside a dedicated team.
But it’s more than robots, it’s about innovation, leadership, and learning skills that last a lifetime. Whether you’re planning for college, launching a career, or just looking for a challenge, FIRST gives you the tools and experience to stand out. No prior experience required, just curiosity and a willingness to learn.
Not Into Robots? That’s Perfect.
FIRST Robotics is more than just engineering. We are a registered non-profit company, and we need creative thinkers, leaders, and storytellers to bring the team to life. We welcome young artists, photographers, writers, video editors, social media managers, event planners, business minds, and organizers. If you enjoy solving problems, telling stories, building community, or just being part of something big and meaningful, there’s a place for you here. Every role matters. Every skill counts.
2025–2026 Season Overview
We are now accepting new members for the upcoming season! Here’s what our year looks like:
- Pre-Season (Sept.–Dec.)
Learn technical skills, get trained, and work on smaller projects to prepare for the main event. - Kickoff (Early Jan.)
The global challenge is revealed, and the clock starts. We design, prototype, and build a custom robot in just six weeks. - Build Season (Jan.–Feb.)
Intense, hands-on collaboration to bring our robot to life, iterating and refining as a team. - Competition Season (March–April)
We compete in the New England District, with the potential to qualify for regional and national championships. - Post-Season (May–June)
A more relaxed time for outreach events, off-season competitions, system upgrades—and our end-of-season celebration!
About the Team
Team 151, the Tough Techs, is a FIRST Hall of Fame team founded in 1992—one of the six longest-running teams in the world. We are open to all high school–aged students in the Nashua, NH area. Our team is proudly hosted by MakeIt Labs, Nashua’s local makerspace, located at 25 Crown Street in downtown Nashua. NH.
Meeting Schedule
- Pre-Season (September-December):
- Mondays & Thursdays, 6:30–9:00 PM (starting September 22)
- Members are expected to attend at least 50% of these meetings.
- Build Season (January–February):
- As the team gears up to design, build, and test the robot under tight deadlines, the meeting schedule expands.
- In addition to Mondays and Thursdays, we typically add:
- Wednesdays, 6:30–9:00 PM
- Saturdays, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
- Sundays, scheduled as needed based on progress and deadlines
- The pace is fast, the energy is high, and teamwork is essential—but it’s also one of the most exciting and rewarding parts of the season.
- Competition Season (March–April):
- The team travels to official competitions within the New England District, typically on weekends. Weekday meetings continue (as needed) for robot repairs, improvements, and strategy adjustments between events.
- Post-Season (May–June):
This is a more relaxed period for:- Off-season competitions
- Outreach events and demos
- Robot upgrades and testing
- Team clean-up and documentation
- End-of-season celebration!
All meeting scheduling is tentative and subject to change based on student and mentor availability.
Costs & Financial Assistance
We strive to keep FIRST Robotics affordable and accessible for everyone.
New members:
- $65 registration
- $10 one-time fee for team shirt and safety glasses
- $100 calendar fundraiser (sell or keep)
- $175 Total
Returning members:
- $65 registration
- $100 calendar fundraiser (sell or keep)
- $165 Total
Financial support available:
For families who find the cost difficult, scholarships are available. Contact the lead mentor to discuss arrangements.
Additional Expectations
- Outreach & Fundraising: All students participate in a few community and fundraising events throughout the year.
- Parent Support: Families are asked to contribute to a potluck lunch during Saturday build sessions (once or twice per season) and volunteer a few hours at team meetings or events.
How to Register
📋 Fill out our registration form here:
https://toughtechs.fillout.com/t/qah51U6unRus
You’ll receive information on preseason meetings and next steps soon after.
Not Ready to Register?
Not sure if The Tough Techs is for you? Join us at one of our meetings. Meet our students and mentors, and tour our facilities. Park around the back at MakeIt Labs, 25 Crown Street, Nashua, NH. Students under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian until you join the team. Our meetings are Monday and Thusday 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM. Just introduce yourself to one of our Adult mentors and we’ll take care of you.
Learn More
📧 Questions? Email us at toughtechs151@gmail.com
📅 Attend an Info Night: Tour the lab, meet the team, and ask questions! Dates will be posted on our website and social media.
🔗 FIRST Robotics Website
🔗 MakeIt Labs Website
Safety Commitment
We prioritize the safety of all team members and mentors. We follow the health policies of Nashua Public Schools and MakeIt Labs. As of now, masks are optional, and meetings are held in person. Policies may adjust depending on health guidance.