The MDE State Grant 99h Awards have been announced! A simplified spreadsheet showing FIRST team awards by district is available below:

Key Things to Know About the Spreadsheet:

• Only FIRST team awards are listed.
• The $1,500 stipend per building may need to be shared with non-FIRST teams.
• All awards were reduced proportionally due to limited funding:
  • Public schools: 61.89% of maximum
  • Non-public schools: 65.7% of maximum
• The spreadsheet includes:
  • One tab for public schools
  • One tab for non-public schools

Link to the Spreadsheet:

• • https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1gbYgSlbj0anpc8LMSOaMWVdd1YqHY8j-q_qKhfFVT74/edit?gid=0#gid=0

Payment Info:

• Funds will be distributed in April
• Payments will appear in your district’s monthly school aid payment, not by check.
• Look for it under Line 99h on the statement that accompanies the School Aid direct deposit

Errors or Questions:

If you notice discrepancies after comparing with your Nexsys application, contact:
Mde-edtech@michigan.gov

---

State Championship Info

• 160 eligible teams will be announced shortly after the Fenton event (Sunday)
  • Not strictly the top 160 teams qualify
    • Impact Award winners automatically qualify
    • Currently, 3 Impact winners are ranked below 160
• Some teams (100% locks) receive early invitations
• If your team has accumulated points in the mid-60s or higher, start preparing
• Find your ranking here: https://frc-events.firstinspires.org/2026/district/FIM

Event Details

• Location: SVSU
• Dates: April 16–18 (Thursday–Saturday)

Agenda Highlights:

• Full agenda can be found here:
  https://firstinmichigan.us/FRC/state-championship/  
• Load-in: Thursday, April 16 at 8:00 AM
• Opening Ceremonies: 4:00 PM

Securing Your Spot

• Registration fee: $4,000
• Payment methods:
  • Credit card
  • Purchase Order (PO)
  • Checks are too slow
• Prepare now: turnaround time is super quick

Declines

• If a team declines, spots are offered to the next team in rank order
• Typically, fewer than 5 teams decline
• If you are next in the rankings when a team declines, you will receive an invitation

---

What a great season! Good luck to everyone hoping to make it to the State Championship!

Best Regards,