Reminder that the MDE grant for your school/district must be submitted by today, Dec. 11, 11:59 pm. Please get your application submitted well before the deadline. Don’t forget to include all of your FIRST teams across programs. Grant application details can be found on this linked MDE Grant Step by Step Guide. Any issues with the MEGS+ grant, be sure to email Amanda Stoel with the MDE so that she has a record of the issue: stoela28@gmail.com.

A reminder of the newer options in the buffet of 2020-21 FiM engagement options that “checks the box” on the competition requirement for the MDE grant for all of the teams involved. They are the FTC/FRC and FTC/FTC alliance engagement options.

FRC/FTC teams or multiple FTC teams can form an alliance and collaborate (virtually, remotely, however possible) on a single engagement option or submission. This alliance of teams can be from within the same school or across schools. All participating teams must be registered for the 2020-21 season for their respective program(s).

An alliance can register to participate together by filling out the linked form so that FIRST in Michigan is aware of the alliance for grant reporting purposes: FiM Alliance Engagement Option Form. If your FTC team members are already working with your FRC team this season, you’re already there with this option! Just need to register all teams involved for the season and, for public and non-public school teams, make sure they’re all on the MDE grant.

Visit 2020-21 FIRST in Michigan Season Plans for details on all engagement options across programs (FTC is on page 3).  Teams can participate in more than one option in case life resolves itself and can all “robot” together again!