FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) robotics started at Gateway in 2005. It started as a pilot program called FIRST VEX Challenge(FVC). We had two teams that year and placed second and fourth in the St. Louis Regional Championship event. Both teams went on to compete at the World Championships. One of our teams finished 7th overall and the other team finished in the high 20's.

During our second year (2006), we still had two teams. One team won the St. Louis Regional Championship and the other team finished 3rd. Our winning team went on to the World Championships and tied for 2nd place.

During our third year (2007), the name changed from FVC to FTC so it was no longer a pilot program and was officially here to stay. We had two teams again and both did well, finishing 3rd place at the St. Louis Regional Championship.

 In 2008, during our 4th year, we had a lot more students, and we felt the need to expand to three teams. We were very successful. One of our teams won the St. Louis Regional Championship and the other two teams finished 3rd.

In 2009, at the St. Louis Regional, our teams did exceptionally well.  At the end of qualification matches, where teams are paired randomly with each other, Team 295 stood 1st, Team 288 stood 7th, and Team 3202 stood 17th.  Being the 1st Alliance Captains, Team 295 picked their first alliance partner and, in the end, Team 295 had 2 other teams and Team 3202 was picked by the 4th place team. Alliance 1, led by Team 295 made it to the finals and lost, earning the Silver Medal.