FIRST Elementary Program Updates Please remember that we will be continuing our same SPIKE-based FLL season for the 26-27 school year, and you do not need to make any changes or purchase anything new for next year! Other changes previously announced with the new LEGO platform, such as team size and grade level shifts for Explore, will not affect the 26-27 SPIKE-based season, either. This was an unexpected change, and FIRST is making sure they are ready to share solid information. We expect an announcement about the future (27-28, etc.) FIRST elementary program by May, and I will share information as it is available. ThereRead More →

FLL Program Updates I have added a page to our website to keep everyone updated with the new program, including a growing FAQ as new information becomes available. You can find it here: FIRST in Michigan FLL Program Updates FIRST in Michigan will host calls over the next few months for any coaches or program admin who have questions about the FLL program changes. Watch for information in an upcoming coach email! Remember that the current Michigan Progression of Programs will not change, and FLL will continue to be an elementary program in Michigan. Spring Rookie Events Event registration is now open for rookie springRead More →

FLL Program Updates We can finally share exciting new updates to the FLL program with you! You have possibly seen the announcement from FIRST, if not you can find it at the FIRST FLL Blog. We have been planning for the updated program and will lead our Michigan teams through these changes with full support. FIRST in Michigan will host a Zoom call tonight for any Michigan FLL coaches who would like to learn more about and discuss FIRST in Michigan’s implementation of the Future Edition of the FLL program. The link to the session is in the email blast sent to all coaches. WeRead More →

Event Registration Details The assigned home event list is now posted and can be found linked in the “Home Event Assignment” box on the Event Registration page. Event registration – where you will confirm that you (hopefully) accept your home event or request to be moved to one of a ranked list of alternates if possible – will open on October 8. All event details and event registration information is linked from the Michigan FLLC Events page. Two key points to remember when registration opens: You must fill out a registration form, even if you are accepting your home event. It also collects team size,Read More →

Event Registration Details The assigned home event list will be posted on October 6 and event registration – where you will confirm that you accept your home event or request to be moved to one of a ranked list of alternates if possible – will open on October 8. All event registration information is linked from the Michigan FLLC Events page, including a link to the Event Registration page with all details about event registration. There are several things you can do now to be prepared for event registration: Ensure you have the two registered, screened coaches needed in order to participate. Visit the linksRead More →

Register Your Teams Now Registration is ongoing for the UNEARTHED season! When you register a team located in Michigan with FIRST, you are automatically a part of the FIRST in Michigan (FIM) team family! There is no additional registration required until October when event registration begins. Teams keep their number from year to year, so please re-register all current teams before registering a new team at your school/district. Rookie status for grants or other purposes is not determined by team number. Each team will need two registered, screened coaches in order to register for events in Michigan. Coaches can be registered to multiple teams. AllRead More →

Spring Rookie Event Registration Event registration for Spring FLLC events will open Monday for teams who have not yet competed for the SUBMERGED season. The event registration link will be posted on the Michigan FLLC Events page at the Event Registration link at the top, and eligible teams will receive an email when registration opens. The list of events is posted at the events page. All event registration will be completed by form; no email or phone registration requests are accepted. If you are interested in hosting an event, or if there is not an event in your area, please reach out to angela@firstinmichigan.org. TeamRead More →

Grants to Start an FLLE K-3 Team! If your school does not have an FLLE team, we have a limited number of grants available to start new teams with free equipment (you just pay the team registration.) The same grant is available if you have FLLE teams but you are looking to expand additional teams (once all existing team registrations are paid.) New teams can start now or this winter and compete in the spring. New FLLE teams registered by the end of November will be eligible for the MDE Rookie team grant on top of this FIRST in Michigan equipment grant! Email me atRead More →

Event Details Available event information is linked at the Michigan FLLC Events page (see ‘Michigan Team List’ in the top links list for event assignments.) The Michigan Event Guide covers basic event information for all teams attending Michigan FLLC Events. You will receive an email from your event host about two weeks before your event with additional event-specific information such as payment info, directions, lunch options, etc.. Team Paperwork Your team roster is due the Monday before your event. It can take time to get coaches screened and consent forms signed, so start now. You can find directions for completing your team’s required roster andRead More →