05.31.24 Team Eblast

99h SCECH’s Due 6/1/24  l  99h Awards for Non-Public Schools  l  99h Usage Timeline  l  2024-25 Season Reg is Open  l  INTO THE DEEP Season Kickoff Sept. 7th

99h SCECH LOG

Coaches and mentors that would like to submit 99h: Robotics Coaching logs for State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHs) may submit their logs for the 2023-24 season via the link below. MDE will process the SCECHs applications beginning June 1, 2024.

Visit the MDE site page linked here for the SCECH log and other details: https://www.techplan.org/professional-development/99h-robotics-competition-scech/

99h STATE GRANT REMITTANCES FOR NON-PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Non-public school affiliated teams that were awarded the 99h state grant should now be receiving their award remittances. The MDE apologizes for the delay. Please reach out to Ashley Arras at the MDE if you have questions regarding grant awards: ArrasA@michigan.gov.

2023-24 99h AWARD USAGE TIMELINE

All 2023-24 99h funds awarded must be used in full by September 30, 2024. Awarded funds can be used in support of 2024-25 expenses like paying the 2024-25 FIRST FTC season registration fee of $295, AndyMark pre-order purchase of INTO THE DEEP game elements https://www.andymark.com/products/ftc-2024-25, additional robot parts, etc.

Work with your team’s fiscal partner to access the remaining funds. Funds may only be used in support of the team to which they were awarded. Funds may not be absorbed into the school’s general fund.

2024-25 SEASON REGISTRATION IS OPEN

Team registration for the 2024-25 season is open! The $295 season registration fee can be paid via the FTC Storefront accessible from the Team Dashboard through firstinspires.org.

Returning Teams

Returning Teams (veterans) – Returning teams register with their existing team number. Check the MI Archive FTC Team List (tab 1 & 2) for a list of historical team numbers.

  • Take care of “Outstanding Tasks” on your Dashboard
    • Update the Team Profile, update team contacts as needed, Lead Coach/Mentor 1 and 2 must electronically sign the season’s FIRST Consent/Release form and check that their FIRST Youth Protection Screening is up to date.
    • Invite any departing team contacts (Team Admin, Lead Coach/Mentor 1 and 2) to invite their replacements.
  • Veteran Team Registration Guide – contains screenshots of the process.

New Teams

New Teams (rookies) – FIRST HQ once again has their FTC Rookie Team Grant available! This grant works with the FIRST in Michigan FTC Rookie Team Grant to 100% cover a newly forming FTC team’s first season registration fee and reusable kit of parts purchase.

Visit the FiM FTC START A TEAM https://firstinmichigan.us/FTC/start-a-team/ site page for the steps to follow to maximize available grants. Remember, do not pay for anything yet until an award decision is received.

  • FiM FTC Rookie Grant specifics:
    • All past team numbers out of a given school must be registered for the current season before a newly forming team is eligible for the grant.
    • New teams must apply for the FIRST HQ FTC Rookie Team Grant first.

FTC “INTO THE DEEP” SEASON KICKOFF SEPT. 7th

The 2024-2025 FTC season will officially kickoff on Sept. 7, 12:00PM (noon) with the reveal of the season’s new game INTO THE DEEP!

There will be kickoff events in various locations around the state. While attending a kickoff event is optional, these events often offer workshops, info sessions, and can feature a “reveal” of the INTO THE DEEP official playing field! Plus, the opportunity to connect to your local FIRST community!! The EVENTS FiM FTC site page will be updated with kickoff events as they are added.