10.2.24 – MDE Grant is now OPEN Plus Other Info

This email will cover four topics today:

1. The MDE Grant
2.  Teams that missed the Kit of Parts OPT-OUTS
3.  FREE Kits and Registration to Start Lower Teams
4.  Round 1 Preferencing Ends Thursday at noon.
MDE GRANT IS OPEN UNTIL NOON ON DECEMBER 2
  1. The MDE grant (often referred to as the “State Grant”) is now open.  You can find the application in NexSys under “99h”.  Please alert the person in your district responsible for submitting the grant.
    1. Once you know who is responsible for submitting it, please fill out this form in case we need to contact them:
      1. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeF3szojkuykRbu23KLLeqsFv0YNDdopo45y7yo0ddBvUyowQ/viewform
  2. The RFP and other grant information for 2024-25 is no longer at techplan.org. It is now hosted on the Michigan.gov site:  https://www.michigan.gov/mde/services/financial-management/grants/oset-grants/99h—robotics
  3. Important dates:
      1. Opened October 1, 2024
      2. Closes December 2, 2024 at 12 noon sharp
      3. Technical Assistance Webinar October 7, 2024 with more details TBA on the Michigan.gov site above.
  4.   Here are the maximum FIRST Robotics amounts to apply for:

FIRST

FIRST Robotics Competition – Rookie

$9,000*

FIRST Robotics Competition  – Veteran

$6,000*

FIRST Tech Challenge – Rookie

$2,200*

FIRST Tech Challenge – Veteran

$1,500*

FIRST LEGO League-Challenge – Rookie

$1,100*

FIRST LEGO League-Challenge – Veteran

$500*

FIRST LEGO League-Explore – Rookie

$500*

FIRST LEGO League-Explore – Veteran

$300*

FIRST LEGO League-Discover – Rookie

$500*

FIRST LEGO League-Discover – Veteran

$300*
* The amount you receive may be lower based on the number of applicants.
You should also apply for the maximum stipend which is $1500 per building (regardless of how many teams are in the building).
OPT-OUT FOR KIT OF PARTS
I am trying to push FIRST to authorize late opt-outs, meaning for teams that missed the deadline but still want to opt-out of the Drive Base or Black Tote. No promises, but if this applies to your team, please quickly fill out this form which MUST be completed by this Thursday at noon:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdhq5M9ThyVY_4BR0SIq–yJL-q6FNu3Mv9VIuzSZ8c_AQOFw/viewform

GRANTS FOR LOWER TEAMS
If you want to start new FTC or FLL Challenge teams, we have grants that make it FREE. FIRST/FIRST in Michigan grants will cover your kit and registration, and then you can still apply for the MDE grant. If your district has a free and reduced lunch rate above 50%, Google has an FTC grant that may give you an additional $1,000 in spending money!
We have grants for our preschool program, FLL Discover too!
Let me know if any of these interest you.
Round 1 Event Preferencing Ends Thursday at noon
Please refer to the 9/24/2024  eblast to learn more:
Best Regards,

Gail Alpert
President, FIRST in Michigan
248-425-4148