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!

MDE State Grant Webinar Schedule

The Michigan Dept. of Education (MDE) is running two informational webinar sessions that will include info on both the high school and middle school portions of the state grant:

• Wed, August 27, 2:30 PM
• Tues, Sept 16, 9:30 PM

Simply dial into: 888-808-6929, access code: 8105360 and open the webinar at http://remc.adobeconnect.com/first-ta/.  FIRST Robotics Grant Information - synopsis of program grants (FLL, FTC, FRC) in pdf format

2014-2015 Season Info & Grants!

The 2014-2015 Michigan FTC Team Guide has tons of great program information including grants available to rookie and veteran teams.  The Resources page of the FIRST in Michigan website has a Michigan FTC Resources link which contains step by step team start up and equipment information.

Off Season Events

Off season is a great way to keep those FTC skills sharp as well as develop new ones!  There are many fun events planned that give teams the chance to demo, practice, and network with each other.  These events are also a great outreach opportunity!  Visit the FIRST in Michigan FTC Off Season Event page to find out more!

2014-2015 FTC Season Registration is Open!

Registration for the 2014-2015 season is now open! Visit this link for instructions on how to register your team:  https://my.usfirst.org/ftc/tims/site.lasso.  Mark your calendar:  2014-2015 Season Kickoff is Sept. 6th! 

Spring Competitions!

Visit the FIRST in Michigan FTC Off Season web page for the latest information on the MI Middle School FTC Spring Season!  There will be 3 competitions and teams may participate in multiple events.  Teams that did not compete in an official (fall) season event and have accepted FIRST or FIRST in Michigan grants must participate in a spring event per the grant parameters.  Volunteers are needed!  This is a great opportunity to try out the role of Judge, Inspector, Referee, Field Tech.  Email michiganftc@gmail.com with your preferred role!

Congrats Super-Regional Teams

Congrats to our 11 advancing Michigan Middle School teams for a great performance at the North Super-Regional event in Iowa!  Our teams were gracious as well as great competitors.  Way to go to FTC Team 7023, Hexasonics from Allendale, MI on advancing to the FIRST World Championship in St. Louis!  Congrats are in order for FTC Team 5411 Geeks, Gears, and Gadgets - Finalist for the Think Award and FTC 6689 RoboRockets - Finalist for the Connect Award.  Visit The Yellow Alliance for full results.

North Super-Regional Coverage

Good luck to our MI FTC teams competing at the North Super-Regional in Iowa April 3-5!  For match schedule and results:  http://live.theyellowalliance.net/super_regionals/north/.  
For live video stream:  http://www.ustream.tv/channel/ftc-north-super-regional-2014.

For a list of teams by Division,