Hi , 

Here's some updates and news from FIRST^® Tech Challenge.

In this week's blast: 

🐙 2024-2025 FIRST Tech Challenge New Team Hardship Grant final deadline

🌊 Searching for an event - simplified 

🤖 AI Innovation Corner Update - Tips for social media

✅ Register youth team members

2024-2025 FIRST Tech Challenge New Team Hardship Grant final deadline 
The 2024-2025 FIRST Tech Challenge New Team Hardship Grant is coming to an end. Awarded new teams will receive a one-time $750 grant which can be used towards FIRST Tech Challenge season registration and products exclusively the FIRST Tech Challenge Storefront.

Please keep in mind that only new FIRST Tech Challenge teams in USA, Mexico, Canada, or USA Military APO may receive this grant and must fit the eligibility requirements stated on the grant page. 

The final grant cycle ends November 19 at 11:59pm ET. Grants are awarded on availability and may run out before this deadline! 

Searching for an event - simplified 
A new and exciting feature has been added to FIRST Tech Challenge Events, the official event results website! The “Location” tab allows the FIRST^® community to search events on a global map then link to event details within each location pin.  Use this map to locate events near you and share with the community. 

AI Innovation Corner Update – Tips for social media
Want to level up your FIRST Tech Challenge team's social media game? This week, we're diving into the power of AI to help you create engaging content, build a strong online presence, and even boost your team's fundraising efforts!

From crafting catchy captions to finding the right prompts to unlock AI's full potential, we've got you covered! Learn how to use AI to respond to comments, track your progress, and make your team shine online!

Don't miss out on this AI Innovation Corner article - it's time to unleash your team's digital potential! (This blurb was written using Google Gemini via Google AI Studio, using the prompt, "write a five sentence social media teaser for the attached blog article."). 

Register youth team members 
The parent or guardian of every youth team member is required to complete the FIRST youth registration process for their participant before they may participate in any organized team activities. This electronic process must be completed prior to the student attending any team meetings or any FIRST events or competitions. For more information and instructions on how to complete the online youth team member registration process, visit the Youth Registration System Overview.  

Express Enrollment: Coaches and mentors in the United States and Canada with completed FIRST Youth Protection Screenings can take advantage of Express Enrollment, which provides a simplified experience on mobile and desktop to register and accept youth to FIRST teams.  

✅ View Express Enrollment Coach/Mentor Instructions  

✅ Express Enrollment Parent/Guardian Instructions.  

Have questions? Check out our FAQ or contact FIRST Support.