I was just informed that they are looking to fund projects that are less than $2,000. If yours is higher than that, go in and scale it back quickly!
Also if you are not a full-time teacher at the public school or public charter where your school is located, find a teacher there who is. I asked and was told it’s fine for them to set up your project. Again just be sure to put FIRST Robotics Competition in the description as much as possible.
Thanks!
Gail Alpert
gail@firstinmichigan.org
248-425-4148
The MDE grant is a bit behind as they are moving to a new platform. They hope to have it open next week or the week after. It should be open for about a month.
If you are a public school team or a public charter team I was just told that our sponsors may be looking to fund FIRST projects on DonorsChoose. If your team has a need for FIRST items other than registration fees (perhaps laptops, 3D printers, Romis…) try quickly putting up a DonorsChoose FIRST project with “FIRST ROBOTICS COMPETITION” in the description several times.
https://secure.donorschoose.or
FTC and all the lower programs can do the same. Tell them to be sure to include the full name of their FIRST program often too.
For those of you that don’t yet have middle school or elementary school teams yet, we are offering FREE kits and registration fees for FTC and FLL Challenge teams. WE have spring competitions starting May 1 so it’s definitely not too late. Just shoot me an email.
We also have LEGO Foundation DISCOVER grants for underserved Pre K and early 5. The grant includes absolutely everything plus training for the teacher. Shoot me an email if you are interested.
Best Regards,
Gail Alpert
248-425-4148
gail@firstinmichigan.org
