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Program Updates, Deadlines, & Reminders

Mark Rober is excited for Kickoff! “The best kind of learning occurs when you don’t realize you’re learning. The skills you learn through FIRST can help you not just in high school and college, but super importantly in your career. That’s also what I love about FIRST, everyone has the chance to go pro.”

NASA engineer-turned-YouTube creator, Mark Rober from CrunchLabs, shares his excitement for FIRST and the 2024 FIRST Robotics Competition CRESCENDO^SM presented by Haas season. Tune in to FIRST tv on January 6 at 12:00 p.m. ET to join the season kickoff celebration.

Speaking of Kickoff: The primary Kickoff broadcast will be on Twitch, and we recommend that you view on that platform if possible. We are also piloting simultaneously broadcasting on YouTube. If you absolutely cannot watch via Twitch, YouTube may be available as an option.

After Kickoff, things happen quickly, and we want to make sure we’re communicating stuff that helps you start your season strong. Read this FIRST Robotics Competition blog post for information on key dates to remember in January, pre-Kickoff downloads and more!

New Radios at 2024 FIRST Championship: We previously announced that we plan to introduce a new 6GHz radio for the 2025 FIRST Robotics Competition season, and we’re excited to announce that these radios will also be used at the 2024 FIRST Championship! Read more in this FIRST Robotics Competition blog post.

Don’t miss important season information: Read this FIRST Robotics Competition Blog to learn more about how to ensure your team does not miss key information sent via email throughout the CRESCENDO season.

Kit Pickup Reminder: Please remember that in order to pick up your Kickoff Kit from a local Kickoff, you must either be listed as lead mentor 1 or 2 or must have a roster printed with your name listed as a mentor. If a team is unable to pick up its Kickoff Kit at the local kickoff selected, an alternate team may be designated to do so. The team unable to attend must be registered to pick up their Kickoff Kit at the local kickoff AND provide FIRST with an authorized surrogate kit pick-up letter, submitted/signed by the lead mentor 1 or 2. 

Community Engagement 

FIRST Championship Conferences – Request for Proposals: FIRST is currently accepting proposals for the 2024 FIRST Championship Conferences that will be running Wednesday - Friday at our FIRST Championship event. Students, mentors, educators, coaches, volunteers, staff, and sponsors are welcome to submit a proposal before our February 9 deadline. Presenters will be notified in mid-March if they have been selected.  If you have questions, please contacts us. 

Thank you, Coaches & Mentors!  We want to give a BIG thank you to each coach and mentor who gives their time and energy to FIRST students. In honor of Mentoring Month in January, we are celebrating all the important work you do within our communities, schools, and organizations.  

✅Enter our Mentoring Month Raffle: All mentors and coaches are eligible to win a $50 gift code to the FIRST store. Stock up on new FIRST IN SHOW swag or get that FIRST sweatshirt or jacket you’ve seen around at FIRST events. One entry per person, raffle is open now until February 1, 2024. Submit for your chance to win!  

✅Receive 50% off coach/mentor pins for a limited time: In celebration of Mentoring Month, use the code !Mentor24 at checkout to receive 50% off coach/mentor pins on the Volunteer Recognition Store via Sports Awards. FIRST IN SHOW coach/mentor pins are available now along with past seasons while supplies last. Get your coach/mentor pins today! 

✅Share why you mentor: This month we’ll be sharing stories on our blog and social media about our mentors within the FIRST community. Share with us on your social platforms why you mentor with FIRST and the impact you’ve seen in your students with #FIRSTvolunteers. Your post might just get boosted by FIRST!