Our History
From three pilot chapters in Illinois to a national program across multiple states.
Season I
2022–23
The First Grid
FTAD founded with 3 pilot chapters across northern Illinois. First official competition held at Westbrook High, with 41 student competitors and 6 faculty advisors participating.
Season II
2023–24
Regional Expansion
Expanded to 12 chapters across 4 states. First regional qualifier format introduced, establishing the competitive bracket structure that remains in use today.
Season III
2024–25
National Championship
First national championship event held in Chicago. 28 chapters competed across three event days. Media coverage from Midwest outlets brought FTAD to a broader audience.
Season IV
2025–26
National Reach
5+ active chapters across 2 states. 100+ student competitors. Season IV represents the largest and most geographically diverse FTAD competition to date.
“We built this because we believed that every student deserves the chance to engineer something real.”