Team Leaders, just a note about this mailing.  I will continue to use last year’s contact list until registration for the 2020-21 season closes.  Having said that, you can update your team contact info before registration.

I know everyone is getting Zoom’d out but the application does provide a unique forum for attending meetings that, normally, would be held only in person.  There are a couple of such instances below.  Also, please make sure to pass on the Aspirations in Computing Award info to team members.

We are planning on hosting another mentor meetup on October 8th.  Details will come out closer to that date.

COVID-19 safety programs

Safety Check! Teams, it’s time to think through your safety plan! This episode of Frank’s Blog (https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/frc/blog/2021-safety-COVID-19 ) provides tips and recommendations for getting started with a draft plan, or to take a moment to review and check whether conditions in your area have changed. In the coming weeks, FIRST will update the FIRST Robotics Competition 2021 Safety Manual, and it’s likely to include additional guidance on COVID-19 safety precautions. Now’s also a good time to have all students complete the online Safety Training provided to FIRST by UL. Why not bookmark this page (https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/frc/safety ) today and keep the safety of teams handy. And, for a review of how to keep your tools, equipment, electronics, laptops clean, please see this handy guide written by Charles Nepomuceno, FRC 3100-Lightning Turtles mentor and one of our Minnesota FTAs!  Please see the FUM COVID-19 page (https://firstuppermidwest.org/covid-19-safety/ )

JUMPSTART Training Events

We are happy to announce the 6th annual JUMPSTART Training Events are back on for 2020.  Medtronic is back as a sponsor as well as Delta-ModTech and St Cloud State University. In accordance with state mandates and concern for our teams, we will be meeting virtually on three different dates:  October 31, November 14, and December 5.  Information is in the flyer, please stay tuned for additional items.  Please see this page for info (https://firstuppermidwest.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Jumpstart_Invite-to-Teams.pdf ).

We are currently gathering abstracts for the upcoming events.  Please fill out this  form (https://medtronic.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5ubn6SMOvhYbIJT )  by Monday, September 28 if you are interested in presenting at our events.

Target Women in Science and Technology (TWIST) – seminar series

Do you know what it takes to launch a successful life and career? Target is hosting Prepare to Launch, a 4-session virtual series starting Friday, October 16th, featuring employees and executives from over 24 companies (https://firstuppermidwest.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/PTL-Speakers.pdf ). You will get to meet these amazing speakers, along with successful tech entrepreneurs as they share stories, lessons learned, and must-have skills that have advanced their careers. We hope to see you there and can’t wait to help you launch yourself into a successful future!  Details can be found here (https://firstuppermidwest.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/prepare-to-launch.pdf ).

Series Dates & Times:
•       Be Curious: Friday, October 16th (8:45am – 11:00am)
•       Be Bold: Friday, October 30th (8:45am – 11:00am)
•       Build Meaningful Relationships: Friday, November 13th (8:45am – 11:00am)
•       Demystifying Tech Careers: Friday, November 20th (8:45am – 11:00am)

Steps to Attend:

Step 1: Get an excused absence
IF YOU HAVE CLASS: talk to your advisor, teacher(s), or principal to see if you can get an excused absence for this event just like a field trip.

COMPLETELY VIRTUAL:
1. Get an excused absence from your advisor, teacher, or principal
2. Come to Prepare to Launch

AT SCHOOL:
1. Get an excused absence from your advisor, teacher, or principal
2. Work with your advisor, teacher, or principal to schedule a room for you to attend the event in
3. Come to Prepare to Launch

Step 2: Register for Prepare to Launch | Register on Eventbrite using this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/prepare-to-launch-tickets-114744722554. Once you register, we’ll have your email address and use that to contact you with updates and additional info about the event.

Step 3: Look for an email from TWIST.EPIC@target.com | On October 9th we’ll send a reminder email, Zoom link, and speaker schedule. And again the week of the first session, we’ll reach out with a reminder to attend.

In the meantime…
Help us spread the word by sharing our flyer (attached) and companies speaking (also attached) with your friends.
Contact us at TWIST.EPIC@target.com if you have any questions, comments, or concerns. Can’t wait to see you there!

Aspirations in Computing Award

MN FIRST has had many award winners that have used the designation to their benefit as they moved on from high school.  Please encourage your women team members to apply:

Please help us reach out to young womxn in high school who have technology interests and skills to encourage them to apply for the annual Aspirations in Computing Award.
•       Last year 133 honorees from Minnesota were selected for state and national recognition ranging from Rising Star (demonstrating promise and progress) to top-tier State and National Winners.  What this means is that a student’s likelihood of being selected and benefiting from amazing college and career opportunities is excellent!
•       Pass along this 40 second video to inspire students to get their application underway.  They can easily chip away at their application, now through the November 5 deadline,  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymuJCW3aF20&feature=youtu.be
•       The attached flyer provides some additional information.
•       Lastly, and most importantly, the link to the Minnesota Aspirations in Computing webpage and application access is: https://mnstateitcoe.org/aspirations-in-computing-awards/
Go Womxn………Go Technology!

Russell Fraenkel
Director of IT Career Pathways and Partnerships
Minnesota State IT Center of Excellence
www.mnstateitcoe.org
russell.fraenkel@metrostate.edu
651.253.9438 (mobile)

Regards, Mark Lawrence
Chairman, MN FIRST Regional Planning Committee