Frequently Asked
Questions

Season fees cover materials, competition registration, equipment access, and mentor compensation. All of our mentors are paid for their time, which helps us attract and retain experienced engineers and educators. Exact pricing varies by season and is shared during enrollment. We work to keep costs accessible and can discuss payment plans on a case-by-case basis.

No experience is required. Our mentors teach everything from the ground up, including mechanical assembly, Java programming, CAD design, and more. Students of all skill levels are welcome.

Our FTC program is open to students in grades 6 through 12. Our FRC program is open to students in grades 8 through 12.

Start by filling out the interest form on our Contact page. We will follow up with program details, schedule a visit to the makerspace, and walk you through registration and payment.

In most cases, yes. We prefer students start at the beginning of the season for the best experience, but we can accommodate mid-season joins depending on team capacity and timing.

During the competition season (September through February), the team meets on weekends from 1:00 to 7:00 PM. Extra meetings may be scheduled as needed, especially closer to competitions. Off-season meetings are lighter. Parents are welcome to stay and observe, but we encourage you to use the rare kid-free time to rest. We also recommend that parents organize carpooling with other families to lighten the driving load.

The FTC season runs from September through February, starting with game kickoff in early September and ending with state championships in February. Off-season runs March through August with lighter meetings and skill-building workshops.

Regular practices are held at Cherokee Makerspace in Acworth, GA. Competitions are held at venues across Georgia, typically on weekends. We coordinate carpooling and share logistics well in advance.

Students should bring a laptop (if available), closed-toe shoes, and a water bottle. All tools, parts, and safety equipment are provided at Cherokee Makerspace.

Safety is our top priority. Every student completes a safety orientation before using any equipment. Mentors supervise all tool use, and we follow strict protocols for power tools, soldering, and battery handling.