Sept. 9 FTC Season Kickoff l Kickoff Sign Up l Grant Update l States Update
FTC SEASON KICKOFF TOMORROW, SEPT. 9!
SIGN UP FOR A KICKOFF EVENT NEAR YOU!
There will be 16 kickoff events in various locations around the state! While attending a kickoff event is optional, these events offer workshops, info and training sessions, and ALL will feature a CENTERSTAGE official playing field on site revealed once the HQ broadcast ends. Plus, kickoff events provide the priceless opportunity to connect with your local FIRST community for ongoing support. Thank you to our kickoff event hosts for their support of the program!
TO SIGN UP: Visit the FiM FTC EVENTS site page for a list of area FTC kickoff events including sign-up information. Sign-up is done directly with the event host and not with FIRST in Michigan FTC. There is no cost to attend.
If you don’t quite have a team formed yet, coaches and/or prospective coaches/team members/mentors are welcome to sign-up to attend an area kickoff event. Great way to jumpstart the season as well as an in-person learning and networking opportunity!
GRANT UPDATE
99h Update
The 99h State Grant will open for application from October 1 through December 1. Application will be through the MDE’s NexSys grant system. Save the date for an upcoming MDE Technical Assistance Webinar anticipated to be Tuesday, September 26, 2023. Date/time confirmation and access info will be eblasted to teams as soon as the MDE shares it.2023-24 99h FTC team grant breakdown:
| Level | Team Award (Max) | Coach Stipend (Max)* |
| Rookie | $2,200 | $1,500 |
| Veteran | $1,500 | $1,500 |
*Stipend capped at one per building across all robotics programs.
Armada Pi-Gears Grant
See attached for an FTC team “Gear Up” grant opportunity made possible by FTC 14706, The Armada Pi-Gears! This grant is not administrated by FIRST in Michigan.
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STATE CHAMPIONSHIP UPDATE
Our 2023-24 fall events are posted on the FiM FTC EVENTS site page. Some flux could still occur so check back for updates. Round 1 event registration is anticipated to open on Oct. 3. See the FiM FTC EVENT PROCESS site page for details.
Our two FiM FTC State Championship events are set! Due to venue availability, both will be Saturday-Sunday events.
- Thank you to Macomb Community College for once again hosting the States-SE Championship! Dates: December 9-10, 2023.
- Thank you to Howell Robotics for stepping up to host the States-NW Championship! Dates: December 16-17, 2023.
- Both events will have a Friday team check-in/early inspection time period.
- A list of the number of advancement spots by qualifiers will be posted soon.
For the 2024-25 season, it is anticipated that the States-NW event will return to Calvin University.
