First Robotics Competition

Make sure you read “Team Update 00” (found HERE). It is a list of all the changes to the game from 2020 to 2021.

FIRST does a lot of broadcasts on TWITCH, but last year twitch was dropped by Roku. Since this was my (editor’s) preferred way to watch these broadcasts, I searched for a new way to watch them (for the upcoming FIRST season) and found this video which does allow watching FIRST Twitch Channel on Roku.

This is not an official Roku channel and is not an official TWITCH app, so use at your own risk, but personally, I am using it because I love watching these on my bigger TV vs having to watch on my computer.

IT’S TIME TO BE GAME CHANGERS – JANUARY 9, 2021

Kickoff ignites the start of the 2021 FIRST^® Robotics Competition season, INFINITE RECHARGE^SM.

Whether your team has 15 or 50 (or 500!) students, we have exciting new challenges so everyone on your team can get in the game this season.

Join FIRST^® faves from around the world, Dean Kamen, Larry Cohen, and special guests as we reveal the FIRST Innovation Challenge presented by Qualcomm, the Game Design Challenge, INFINITE RECHARGE at Home, and other game and season details.

Watch the Kickoff Celebration Broadcast
Saturday, January 9, 2021 | 12 pm ET on FIRSTtv

No this isn’t the official kick off, just some pre kickoff fun!

Click HERE for more info and HERE to go to website. Application is opened from Nov 30, 2020 to Feb 18, 2021.

FIRST @ Home is a website full of activities and resources about programming, CAD, Artificial Intelligence, STEM and more! It have activities for all grade levels (K-12). Check it out HERE.

On November 12, FIRST partner Tallo is hosting a free virtual college fair specifically for FIRST students! We will introduce you to colleges who are looking for FIRST students because on your teams you have learned the skills and gained the necessary experience to be successful in the future. We’re using a new app, Ping by Tallo, to match you with colleges based on how your interests and preferences align with theirs. It’s a fast and easy way to learn about new schools who have great programs, choose who you want to connect with, and email their representatives a connection request.

Sign up today! Choose the “FIRST Fair” when you sign up.

The TVA Grant is now opened and is accepting applications for the 2020-21 FIRST Season

Team Eligibility:

• All FIRST LEGO League, FIRST Tech Challenge and FIRST Robotic teams in the TVA Service Area are eligible for funding, which will cover the following for each program:
  • FIRST Robotics Competition Rookie team – $1,000 towards Registration fees
  • FIRST Tech Challenge – $306 Registration, shipping and tax
  • FIRST LEGO League Explore – $130 Registration, Inspire Set, tax and shipping
  • FIRST LEGO League Challenge – $363 Registration, Challenge Set, tax and shipping
  • FIRST Robotics Competition Veteran team – $500 towards Registration fees
• Teams must begin the registration process with FIRST and hold a temporary team (if a Rookie team) or team number (Veteran teams), however, teams must NOT pay for registration as it will forfeit their TVA Grant. No exceptions, substitutions or refunds will be made.
• TVA team grants are available on a first come, first served basis. Funds will be available until Dec 1, 2020 OR until funds for the grant have been utilized.

Next Steps:

• All teams interested in receiving TVA funds must submit a very short online application to FIRST
• FIRST will send grant information and the application link to all teams that received TVA funding last season and encourage them to apply for funds if they intend to participate this season.
• We ask that Partners send the application link to any other teams that are eligible for TVA funds – new/rookie teams or returning teams that did not receive funding last season.
• You may choose to post the TVA information and application link on your website or social media channels

TVA Grant Process

• FIRST will review all grant requests.
• FIRST will send the grant requests to Tennessee Valley Authority to verify the team’s location within their service area. This process usually takes 48 hours.
• Once FIRST receives the approval back from Tennessee Valley Authority, teams can expect the grant funds to be available within 5 business days.
• Teams should expect to receive 3 emails during the application process
  1. To confirm that they have successfully submitted the application
  2. To notify them of approval and application of funds
  3. Information about recognizing/thanking TVA and the use of the TVA logo.
• Any teams that have already paid registration or are outside of the TVA services area will be referred back to the Partner.
• Any questions regarding this process should be directed to Amanda Pham at apham@firstinspires.org.