Robotics post 8/27

Aug 27, 2020 | Fine Art Directors, Homepage Updates/Alerts, Robotics

The following information was shared via the FIRST in Texas Newsletter.  If you have not subscribed to the newsletter, please do so (instructions below). 

AUGUST 2020: FIRST Tech Challenge

State Championship Announcement

Message Content:

  • Announcing the Texas FTC State Championship!

  • Team Grants: Application Opens 8/31

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Parents, mentors, and others interested in these updates can subscribe at: https://firstintexas.org/newsletter/. Choose “FIRST Tech Challenge” to get on this list.

Announcing the Texas FTC State Championship!

FIRST in Texas is pleased to announce the establishment of the Texas FTC State Championship for the 2020-2021 season. The State Championship will be a multi-day event (dates to be announced in a future statewide team blast) with up to 72 of the best teams in Texas. Teams will advance from their Regional competition to the new State Championship. Performance at the State Championship will determine advancement to Worlds in Houston. However, each 1st place Regional Inspire Award winner will automatically advance to Worlds. Regional Inspire Award winners also have the option to compete in the Texas FTC State Championship if desired. 

Even as FTC grows in the state of Texas, the number of teams that advance to Worlds will not increase. As such, the Texas FTC State Championship will allow many more teams to advance from Regionals to a higher level, world class event. Each Regional will advance teams to the Texas FTC State Championship based upon the percentage of FTC teams of that area as compared to the number of FTC teams in Texas. Please keep an eye out for further communication from your local Program Delivery Partner on your Regional Championship and advancement to the State Championship.

The UIL Robotics State Championship for FIRST Tech Challenge is scheduled to take place as an independent event on the day preceding the Texas FTC State Championship. Both school size divisions (1A-4A & 5A-6A) will compete on the same day. Additional information about the UIL State Championship will be communicated at a later date.

Due to the pandemic, we ask that all teams understand that season plans are fluid and subject to change. This announcement reflects current intentions and agreements between FIRST in Texas and FIRST. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Andrew Schuetze
Program Manager, FIRST Tech Challenge
FIRST in Texas

FIRST IN TEXAS

TEAM GRANT APPLICATION

FOR THE 2020-2021 SEASON WILL OPEN ON

AUGUST 31, 2020

The new team grant application will be available at www.firstintexas.org/grants. Teams only need to apply once to be considered for any FIRST in Texas team grants for which they are eligible. The following grants are available so far for the upcoming season:

Texas Workforce Commission

  • FTC Veteran Teams – $400
  • FTC Rookie Teams – $1,000

Dell

  • FTC Veteran/Rookie Teams – $275

There are three rounds in which teams can apply, with the first closing on October 4th. Please see the Grant Calendar for more information.