MDE State Grant Now Open

The MDE FIRST Robotics State Grant is open Sept. 8th through noon on Nov 3, 2015. All high school and middle school public schools, academies charters with FRC or FTC teams are eligible. ISDs with full time students also qualify. Link to grant information: http://www.techplan.org/rdi/.

2015-2016 Season

Welcome to the 2015-2016 FIRST in Michigan Middle School FTC season!   

Information on registering for the season, equipment, and grants is linked below. 

2015-2016 Season Information and Resources
2015-2016 FiM FTC Start Up Guide.
2015-2016 FiM FTC Equipment/Costs/Grant Information

Event Registration

The event registration process for this season is available on the FIRST in Michigan FTC site and at this direct link:  Event Registration Process.  The main/alternate contacts for each team will receive the event registration form links via email. Note that teams need to be fully registered for the season to sign up for events. Email michiganftc@gmail.com with questions.  There are two parts to event registration this season:  Home event opt in/opt out and 2nd qualifier registration:

Open Field Locations and Times

FIRST in Michigan has placed game elements around the state so that teams can have the opportunity to test and practice prior to competition season.

Locations:

• Livonia - Livonia Warriors Open Field Opportunities; a full field is available to teams; teams can reserve their practice spot beginning Oct. 1st.

• Allendale -  email Nicki Bonczyk at nbonczyk@gmail.com; field is open Thursdays and Saturdays.  If other days are needed, just send a note!

• Marshall - Steve Seifert at sseifert@scoutmarshall337.org

• Temperance - email Bedford Express at bxcoach1023@gmail.com

PTC Training Classes

Join PTC Experts for a workshop on "How to Model Almost Anything". Learn about 3D design and how you can save time and your team’s budget by designing, assembling, and testing your robot in PTC® Creo® before building it. Practice your basic 3D design skills by exploring various 3D robot models, assembling an FTC robot drive base, and designing your own parts for use on your robot. Two sessions are offered:  

Session 1:  October 4th in Bloomfield Hills, 9am-3pm; Evite registration link

Session 2:  November 1st in Grand Rapids, 1-6pm; Registration link coming soon

MDE State Grant Information

Information on applying for the Michigan Dept. of Education grants is available at this link:  MDE State Grant Application for FTC/FRC Teams.   This grant is open to publicly funded schools, charters, and academies.  Application must be made by a Level 5 administrator for the school district.  FRC and FTC teams, in the same district, must apply as one.

FTC Kickoff Events

The new season will kickoff on Saturday, Sept 6th, at 12 noon.  The game will be revealed online at http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/ftc/game.  Game Manual Part 2 and the game animation will be available by link on the FIRST FTC site at that point.  Game Manual Part I has already been posted.

Local kickoff events are a great way to learn the new game and network with area teams.  There are 3 kickoff events occurring on Sept. 6th and each will feature a game reveal.  Teams must sign up to attend.  Thank you to the hosts!