Hi Friend,
 

FIRST® Headquarters will be closing at 3 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 24, 2019. Our regular business hours will resume on Thursday, December 26, 2019 at 8:30 a.m. ET.

Hand-carrying to FIRST Championship:  Did you hear the news? Due to the success of our 2019 “You Bring It” pilot we are expanding this option to all teams attending Championship.  For more information check out Frank’s blog entry.

Shopping List & Safety: You asked, we listened! Please visit this blog entry to find out where you can see the list of materials needed to build the Team Elements of the field for the 2020 INFINITE RECHARGESM season. Additionally, we have updated the Safety Manual and we urge teams to take the time to review it ahead of the build season.

Surrogate Pick-Up Letters:  If you asked a local team attending a Kickoff to pick up your Kit of Parts on your behalf, please remember to send us your Surrogate Pick-Up letter to let us know!  FIRST must receive the letter by December 30, 2019. You can either mail your letter, fax it to 603-206-2097, or  email it to firstroboticscompetition@firstinspires.org.

2020 Apple Engineering Technology Summer Camp: The 2020 Apple Engineering Technology Summer Camp applications are live!  Do you know a high school sophomore or junior with what it takes to make it at Apple?  Do you enjoy building things with your hands? Are you constantly taking things apart to understand how they work?

This summer, Apple is inviting a select group of high school students from across the United States to attend a special Engineering Technology Camp at its global headquarters in Cupertino, California. The month-long program (July 6 – July 31, 2020) 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 hardware engineers. Apple will cover the cost of travel, accommodations and food for the duration of camp.

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. ET on Monday, January 6, 2020
    • 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 January
  • All applicants will be informed of their status via email by January 15, 2020

To learn more about this amazing opportunity click here.

Regional, District, and FIRST Championship Housing: Where will you recharge in between matches this season? If you’re traveling to an event this season, book with FIRST for guaranteed low-rates and FIRST-sanctioned hotels while your team enjoys complimentary amenities.

Find your hotel rooms now and book early. Many housing blocks close 3 weeks prior to the event.

2020 FIRST Championship team housing now open for Houston and Detroit. Visit the housing and travel page for hotel locations, rates, and all your housing options.

2019 FIRST Annual Impact Report Now Available: In commemoration of our 30th anniversary, the 2019 FIRST Annual Impact Report highlights 30 years of FIRST inspiration and innovation while celebrating progress during our FIRST LAUNCH season. Through continued growth, unparalleled impact data, and powerful impact stories, FIRST and Beyond represents the power of the extraordinary support and commitment of the FIRST community in preparing young people for the future. View and share the interactive report.

FIRST Alumni Spotlight: We caught up with FIRST Alum Pam Wong, to learn about her FIRST experience in our latest Alumni Update. Are you or someone you know a FIRST Alum? Share your story and you might be featured in a future Alumni Spotlight.

 
Sincerely,
 
FIRST® Robotics Competition Team Support