Frequently Asked Questions

Mayhem Robotics is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Bedford, New Hampshire. We support student participation in FIRST® robotics programs, including the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) and FIRST LEGO League (FLL), as well as related STEM education and outreach activities.

Mayhem Robotics operates programs aligned with FIRST® initiatives, including the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) for high school students and FIRST LEGO League (Explore and Challenge) for elementary and middle school students. We also support outreach activities, workshops, and STEM learning opportunities connected to these programs.

Mayhem (FRC 8724) is our high school FIRST Robotics Competition team. Mayhem Robotics is the nonprofit organization that operates and funds all of our programs, including FRC, FIRST LEGO League teams, outreach efforts, and associated STEM classes.

When forming a new team in 2021, students were given the option to choose a new name. They unanimously chose to retain the name and colors of their previous team. To differentiate the new organization, the name was shortened to simply Mayhem, without the original acronym.

We still proudly wear teal tie-dye as a nod to our roots and the students who came before us.

Mayhem (FRC 8724) was founded in the fall of 2021. Many of the founding students previously participated on another FIRST Robotics team that did not continue after the pandemic. With the support of parents, mentors, and FIRST New Hampshire senior mentors, the students formed a new community-based team.

The team began with limited funding and inherited equipment, relying heavily on volunteer support and community sponsorship. Mayhem Robotics was subsequently formed as a nonprofit to ensure long-term sustainability and growth.

Age requirements vary by program and are outlined on the individual program pages (FRC 8724 and FLL). In some cases, we may allow flexibility for mature students, siblings, or children of active mentors.

Our Junior Mayhem program allows select students ages 12–13 to participate in FRC activities on a trial basis. Junior participants do not use heavy tools but may participate in most educational activities at a reduced cost.

For questions about fit, please contact us.

No prior robotics, programming, or engineering experience is required. Students learn through hands-on projects, mentorship, and collaboration with peers. Curiosity, a willingness to learn, and a positive attitude are far more important than previous experience.

Time commitment varies by program and season.

• FIRST LEGO League (FLL): typically meets once or twice per week during the season, with occasional weekend events.
• FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC): requires a larger commitment, especially during the build season, with multiple meetings per week and several competition weekends.

Specific schedules are shared before each season so families can plan accordingly.

Mayhem Robotics is a community-based organization. Our programs are open to students from public schools, private schools, homeschools, and other educational backgrounds within our region.

Our teams are supported by adult mentors with backgrounds in engineering, software development, education, manufacturing, and business. All mentors are required to complete background checks administered through FIRST and adhere to FIRST Youth Protection Program (YPP) policies.

Student safety, inclusion, and professionalism are foundational to our program.

Students who thrive in our programs are typically enthusiastic about learning and enjoy problem-solving, teamwork, and hands-on projects. Many successful students are drawn to areas such as robotics, mechanical engineering, software development, electronics, and business or project management.

Students do not need to know exactly what they want to pursue — curiosity and engagement are what matter most.

Yes. Parent involvement is welcome and encouraged. There are many ways to help, including event support, logistics, fundraising, administration, and mentoring. No technical background is required for many roles.

Program costs vary by season and program. We strive to keep participation affordable and accessible.

• Mayhem Robotics is eligible for New Hampshire Education Freedom Account (EFA) payments.
• Financial assistance is available when needed.
• No student will be turned away due to inability to pay.

Please contact us for current program pricing and options.

Mayhem Robotics is funded through a combination of corporate and community sponsorships, donations, and modest student participation fees. We are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and donations may be tax-deductible. Tax documentation is available upon request.

Community support plays a vital role in our success. Businesses and individuals can support Mayhem Robotics through sponsorships, donations, and in-kind contributions. Sponsors help fund equipment, competition fees, outreach efforts, and student scholarships.

Please visit our Sponsors page or contact us to start a conversation.

Mayhem Robotics aims to be more than a collection of robotics teams. Our long-term vision includes developing project-based STEM curricula, expanding FIRST-aligned programs, offering summer camps, and providing school-year learning opportunities for students across New Hampshire.

Our goal is to create sustainable, high-quality educational experiences that serve students from diverse educational backgrounds.