Hi ,

In this week's blast:

⚙️ First Event Registration, First Preference  
⚙️ 2026 Event Listings 
⚙️ Drive Base & Black Tote Opt Out  
⚙️ 2026 Inspire the Future: FIRST^® Recognition Program 
⚙️ Extended Hours
⚙️ Programming 101 Resource

Program Updates, Deadlines, & Reminders

Next Week! First Event Registration, First Preference: Round 1 of event preferencing begins on Thursday, September 25, at 12:00 p.m. ET. Teams must be “event ready” (no outstanding tasks on your FIRST Dashboard) in order to preference events. Be sure to review our Event Preference User Guide for step-by-step instructions and an FAQ.   

2026 Event Listings: If you haven’t already, visit our list of official events and start planning your event attendance. We expect all events to be posted by event preferencing opening. Remember to check the location of your events as they may have changed from previous seasons! 

Upcoming Deadline! Drive Base & Black Tote Opt Out: By default, all Kickoff Kits include a Drive Base Kit & Black Tote, but veteran teams who are “event ready" can opt to receive vouchers instead of the drive base kit and/or the Black Tote by selecting “Drive Base Opt Out” or “Black Tote Opt Out” from the “Team Options” under the “Parts and Products” drop down in the FIRST Dashboard. Teams can opt out until September 23, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. noon ET.   
Note: Event ready refers to teams with two assigned Lead Coaches and, if they are in Canada or the U.S., both must have a completed background check.    

2026 Inspire the Future: FIRST Recognition Program: Here at FIRST, recognition is not only part of our name but core to our ethos, and we are proud to launch nominations for the 2026 Inspire the Future: FIRST Recognition Program! 

We want to celebrate the FIRST educators and schools who impact and inspire their learning communities. Through their work, these educators and schools advance the mission of FIRST. Learn more about the Inspire the Future: FIRST Recognition Program and how YOU can nominate an educator or school that has made a positive impact on your community. 

Reminder! Extended Hours: Beginning September 2 through October 30, FIRST Support will offer extended customer support until 8:00 p.m. ET on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Support will be available via phone, chat, web forms, and email. 

Resource of the Week: As teams prepare for the season, don't forget to choose your programming language. This recently updated Programming 101 resource covers the basics of programming in C++, Java, LabVIEW, and Python. 

Upcoming Important Dates:

⚙️ Tuesday, September 23 at 12:00 p.m. ET – Drive Base & Black Tote Opt Out Closes 
⚙️ Thursday, September 25 at 12:00 p.m. ET – Kit and Kickoff Registration Opens 
⚙️ Thursday, September 25 at 12:00 p.m. ET – First Event Registration - Round 1 Preference Opens  

⚙️ Thursday, September 25 – Submissions for the Digital Animation Award Sponsored by WPI Opens