ITKAN-ISCNY Robotics
Build. Code. Compete.
ITKAN-ISCNY Robotics is Syracuse’s FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) team — a hands-on robotics program for middle and high school students. Our broader mission is to inspire, mentor, and support students as they pursue STEM careers, using robotics as the hook that gets them there.
About ITKAN
ITKAN-ISCNY Robotics is a collaboration between the Islamic Society of Central New York and the ITKAN Institute of Technology, a grassroots robotics movement whose mission is reviving the Islamic obligation to excel in science and technology.
ITKAN is the largest and fastest-growing robotics network in Texas and the United States, supporting 1,500+ students through FIRST programs across 13 states and 8 countries.
1,500+
students supported
13 states
8 countries · FIRST programs
95%
of alumni pursue STEM degrees
ITKAN teams have won Texas state championships and competed at the FIRST World Championship, and 95% of ITKAN alumni go on to pursue STEM degrees.
What is FIRST Tech Challenge?
FTC is a robotics competition for students in grades 7–12. Each season, teams design, build, and program a robot to play that year’s game, then compete against other teams — starting at regional qualifiers, advancing to regional championships, with a path all the way to the FIRST World Championship.
Students learn hands-on engineering, Java programming, and CAD and 3D design — along with skills that matter beyond robotics: working as a team, documenting their process in an engineering notebook, and presenting their work to judges.
Build
Hands-on engineering and CAD & 3D design
Code
Real Java programming for a competition robot
Compete
Qualifiers, championships, and Worlds
FIRST alumni are also eligible for college scholarships offered through FIRST’s partner institutions.
But the robot is really a vehicle. What we’re building is confidence, curiosity, and a sense that a STEM career is within reach.
Our students are mentored by engineers and professionals from our own community — people who can show them what that path actually looks like.
Who Can Join
- Students in grades 7–12. No prior experience is required — we're looking for curiosity and commitment. Beginners are welcome.
- Team size is kept small so every student gets real time on the robot.
- Team members are selected through a short interview with the student and a parent.
Parent Participation
Parent participation is a core part of the program. Each family commits to a parent or guardian helping regularly throughout the season. Ways to help include:
- Supervising sessions
- Snacks and logistics
- Technical mentoring
- Driving to sessions or competitions
- Fundraising and sponsorship
No technical background is needed for most roles.
How to Join
Interest Form
The first step for any student who wants to join.
Parent Info Session
An opportunity to learn what the season looks like and ask questions.
Interview
A short conversation with the student and a parent together.
Team Confirmation
Once your family is confirmed, you'll receive the season schedule and next steps.
Why This Matters
ITKAN-ISCNY Robotics exists to support community students with careers in engineering and technology: to give students an early, hands-on taste of what a STEM career actually involves, mentors who’ve walked that path, and a peer group that makes pursuing it feel normal rather than exceptional.
The robot is the project. The goal is the career that comes after it.
Islamic Society of Central New York © 2026 Powered by MHA Visuals