Hello Friend,
 
Deadline Today! 2021 FIRST® Choice Priority Lists: This is a reminder that FIRST choice Priority Lists lock today, January 21, 2021 at noon Eastern Time. Your team’s FIRST Choice password is available to Lead Coach/Mentors 1 or 2 (for secured teams) in the Dashboard. Remember to peruse FIRST Choice, populate your team’s Priority List, and prioritize items before today at noon (Eastern). More information is available on the Kit of Parts page. Check out this helpful video here!
 
INFINITE RECHARGESM at Home:  Please remember that you can participate in the INFINITE RECHARGE at Home challenge even if you don’t have access to your robot! This challenge consists of two independent parts: a skills competition and a presentation of your robot to Judges. You can present your robot to the Judges in any way you wish – CAD, sketches, even a video from 2020 if you feel that’s applicable. The Judges will only be considering your submission and whatever you present during the interview in their deliberations. Also, as explained in Section 2.3.2 of the At Home Challenges Manual, teams participating in only the judged awards portion of INFINITE RECHARGE at Home will be judged separately from those also participating in the skills competition portion, to level the playing field somewhat for teams that aren't able to access their robots.
 
2021 Digital Animation Award: The Digital Animation Award sponsored by AutomationDirect.com celebrates the art of digital animation and its close relationship to STEAM! All submissions and uploads must be completed by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, February 25, 2021. Please note that any entries after this deadline will not be judged, and winners will be announced mid-March. Click here for this season’s theme, guidelines, submission portal, and other important information.
 
Live Judging Q&A: Don't forget to tune into the live Q&A on Saturday, January 30 at noon Eastern Time with our Chief Judge Advisors to ask questions about anything related to Judging this season! Be sure to check out the pre-recorded Judging segment prior to the live Q&A that has tips & tricks specific to each component of the 2021 season including the traditionally submitted awards. Register today!
 
Apply for the 2021 Apple Virtual Engineering Technology Camp: This summer, Apple is inviting a select group of high school students from across the United States to attend a special virtual version of their Engineering Technology Camp. The online 4-week program (July 12 – August 6, 2021) gives students a rare and exciting glimpse into the company as well as the opportunity to work in small groups and collaborate closely with Apple engineers. This is free and Apple will cover the cost of equipment and supplies.
 
As a FIRST® Strategic Partner, Apple has invited FIRST to nominate students to apply for this opportunity. To apply for a FIRST nomination:
  • Complete your initial application online here by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Sunday, January 31, 2021
    • There are limited nominations available, and not all applicants will receive the opportunity
    • Decisions are not subject to further review, nor will late applications be accepted
    • FIRST will review all applications and select nominees to receive the full Apple application in early February
  • All applicants will be informed of their status via email by Friday, February 5, 2021
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Tune in for Beyond the Bots℠ on January 29 to Celebrate National Mentor Month: Mark your calendars for the second episode of Beyond the Bots℠ as we celebrate National Mentor Month! Tune in to FIRSTtv on Friday, January 29, at noon Eastern Time as we see a first look of how teams are preparing and competing this season and hear from a few of our amazing mentors in the FIRST community! Plus, we’ll be joined by Umatilla School District Superintendent Heidi Sipe (and hear about their new film featuring FIRST® Robotics Competition Team Confidential 4125), FIRST® LEGO® League Partner and Volunteer Desh Bagley, Mehak from Allspark9, Lucien Junkin from Robonauts, FIRST alum Ricardo from Cerbotics, and Jackie Moore from the Chicago Knights. Be sure to stick around as we announce the five winners of the FIRST Mentoring Month raffle.
 
Team Updates: Don’t miss a single Team Update this season! They are posted on the Season Materials page, our social media channels, and team mentors 18 or older can sign up for email notifications.
 
As always, we are here to help. Please contact our Customer Support Team with any questions. 
 
Sincerely,
 
FIRST® Robotics Competition Team Support