Hi ,

1. Apply to be a FIRST^® Diary of an Innovator Team!  
2. 2023-2024 CENTERSTAGE^SM presented by Raytheon Technology Game Hints 
3. FTC SIM Argosy Rookie Team Grant Reminder 
4. FIRST^® Tech Challenge Rookie Grants Reminder 
5. Team Tip: Fundraising 

Apply to be a FIRST^® Diary of an Innovator Team!  
One of the FIRST^® Core Values is innovation, and we are inspired by how teams work together to innovate throughout the FIRST season and beyond.  All FIRST teams innovate through designing and coding their robots while working together as a team. To highlight the FIRST experience and the innovation journey teams embark on, we are encouraging ALL teams (rookie and veteran) to apply to be a Diary of an Innovator team.  

We will select four FIRST^® LEGO^® League Challenge, four FIRST^® Tech Challenge, and four FIRST^® Robotics Competition teams to be FIRST^® IN SHOW^SM presented by Qualcomm Diary of an Innovator teams. Selected teams will be asked to submit quarterly updates about their season that will be shared with the FIRST community on our social media channels.  

Click here to apply to become a Diary of an Innovator Team. Applications are due by June 30, 2023, and selected teams will be contacted by FIRST in July.   

2023-2024 CENTERSTAGE^SM presented by Raytheon Technology Game Hints 

FIRST Tech Challenge wants to give you a heads up that we may or may not be sprinkling a few game hints online and across our FIRST Tech Challenge Facebook and Twitter. Follow us and see if you can spot a potential game hint or a red herring.  

FTC SIM Argosy Rookie Team Grant (USA & Canada) 

FTC SIM is a virtual coding tool that allows users to code and run a virtual FIRST Tech Challenge robot autonomously for free! Users can learn everything from basic movement to how to use sensors by completing a series of puzzles using Blocks or Java. 

The Argosy foundation is empowering FTC SIM users to take their virtual robotics experience to the next level by providing 108 x $1000 USD grants towards starting a competitive FIRST Tech Challenge Team in North America. The grant will cover a team’s registration fee and can be used towards products in the FIRST Tech Challenge storefront.  

Information on how to qualify and the application process is available at this link. Learn more about FTC SIM and the grant in our latest blog post.  

FIRST Tech Challenge Rookie Grant (USA & Canada) 

The FIRST Tech Challenge Rookie Grant is now open! Rookie teams may apply and awarded new teams will receive a $750 grant to use towards FIRST Tech Challenge season registration and products in the FIRST Tech Challenge Storefront. Teams meet all criteria to be eligible. This grant is need-based, and funding is limited. Grants will be awarded until the funding is exhausted, please remember your Gracious Professionalism^® and apply only with real need. If you are expecting a grant, please do not check out until that grant has been awarded. FIRST will not be able to make changes to orders after checkout. Find more information on our Team Grants page. Apply for the grant here.  

Team Tip: Fundraising 

The summer “off-season” is a great time to start building your team, filling up your roster with new students with helpful and diverse skills, and start fundraising for the upcoming season. Make sure to check out our fundraising resources. It’s never to early to start fundraising!