Hi ,

In this week's blast:

⚙️ Regrants 
⚙️ Holiday Hours 
⚙️ Youth Protection Screening Renewal Reminder 
⚙️ FIRST^® Robotics Competition Blog Updates 
⚙️ NASA RAP (Robotics Alliance Project) Robotics Design Guide Resource

Program Updates, Deadlines, & Reminders

Closing Soon – Last Call! Regrants: Lead coaches or team administrators for U.S. teams that have a “credit balance” in their FIRST^® account must submit regrant requests before June 30, 2025. If not regranted, any of the remaining funds are re-designated based on sponsor intent. Due to the extreme generosity of donors & sponsors, many teams have funds still available in their FIRST accounts, and we want to ensure that they capture those funds. See the regrant policies and procedures page for more details.  

Holiday Hours: FIRST will be closing at 3:00 p.m. ET on Friday, June 27, and remain closed the week of July 1-5 in recognition of the U.S. Independence holiday. Regular business hours will resume on Monday, July 7, at 8:30 a.m. ET. 

Youth Protection Screening Renewal Reminder: A current Youth Protection Screening is required for U.S. and Canada-based lead mentors to access the team’s roster, opt out of the Drive Base & Black Tote (veteran teams), and for other important tasks throughout the season. Screenings expire every four (4) years, and you can check your screening status in the FIRST Dashboard. If your screening is expired, order your renewal screening now! For assistance, please contact Team Support Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. ET via email, calling 1-(800)-871-8326, or live chat.  

Effective starting this 2025-2026 season, additional Youth Protection Screening steps are now required for FIRST volunteers in Pennsylvania and California, as required by each state. If you are planning to volunteer in these states, it is important to know about these specific requirements to ensure compliance and contribute to a safe environment for FIRST youth participants.  

FIRST Robotics Competition Blog Updates:   

✏️ SystemCore Alpha Testing – First Wave 

✏️ Gracious Professionalism Stories From FIRST Championship 

Resource of the Week: Summer is a great time to focus on training for mentors and students. Consider reviewing the NASA RAP (Robotics Alliance Project) Robotics Design Guide which is a comprehensive mechanical design guide covering design patterns, materials, tools and techniques and more. 

Upcoming Important Dates:

⚙️ Monday, June 30, at 11:59 p.m. ET – Regrant Request Window Closes