Hello FRC Team Leaders in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota,
This week’s update:
  • First-round Event Preferencing
  • Kit of Parts Opt-Out for Drive Base
  • Kickoff Site selection
  • FUM Mentor Meet-up, Thursday October 21
  • Jumpstart Robotics training series sponsored by Medtronic
  • FUM FEI FI FO FUM Grants, November 1 Deadline
  • NMRC Off-Season Event
  • Minne-Mini Off-season Event
First round Event Preferencing is now underway until 12 noon Eastern Time on October 20. At that time, the events are placed on hold, teams sorted via a lottery system, and preference placements are announced. 
 
Second-round Event Preferencing will then commence on October 21 at 12 noon Eastern Time until October 27 at 12 noon Eastern Time. Please make sure that your team has completed and submitted all necessary forms and consents so that you can enter your event preferences.
 
Kit of Parts Drive Base Opt-Out: Teams have the option to “opt-out” of the AndyMark drive base that is included in the Kit of Parts. If your team decides to opt-out of the drive base in favor of receiving a voucher for $450 from AndyMark, please be sure to make this selection by October 21 at 12 noon Eastern Time.
 
Kickoff Site Selection: Teams also are asked to select a Kickoff Site for the January 8, 2022 Kickoff Event. Important Note: The Twin Cities Kickoff is remote this year, which means that only the Kit of Parts will be available for pickup. The Event Site is Eagan High School, Eagan, MN. Other Kickoff sites are hosting live-events. You can check for additional information on these pages on the firstinspires.org website. Be sure to register your Kickoff Site by 12 noon Eastern Time, Monday, November 15.

October FUM Mentor Meet-up – Thursday October 21

Have questions? Bring them to the October FIRST Upper Midwest Mentor Meet-up. This link will take you to the document with the event and online meeting information. This meeting is open to ALL FRC Team Mentors, please share with the mentors on your teams.

 
FRC Pre-Season Training – Jumpstart: Register for Jumpstart Robotics, Sponsored by Medtronic 

FRC Teams are invited to kick-off the season with the third annual Jumpstart Robotics training series sponsored by Medtronic. We are planning four 2-hour sessions over four consecutive weeks. Each week will have at least two tracks of sessions covering both technical and non-technical topics. Participation details will be emailed to registered attendees. Individuals and teams are encouraged to submit an abstract to present on a topic of your choosing.

 

October 28, November 4, 11, & 18, 3:00 – 5:00 PM Central Time

 

Register using our online form  or scan the QR code with your mobile device. And, Please bookmark this link for the most updated information.

FEI FI FO FUM Grants – Nov. 1 deadline

The FIRST Equity & Inclusion Financing Initiative for FIRST in Upper Midwest (FEI FI FO FUM) Grant will provide FUM FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) teams with funds to implement a project that will make changes to culture and increase the participation and success of underserved, underrepresented and/or vulnerable populations (https://www.firstinspires.org/about/diversityinclusion) in FIRST Robotics in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.  Grants will be available between $100 and $1000.  Further information is available at https://firstuppermidwest.org/first-in-upper-midwest/diversity-and-inclusion/fum-equity-and-inclusion-grant-october-2021/ and teams can apply at http://bit.ly/fumdeigrant2021.  The application deadline is November 1, 2021

The MNRC event – October 30

The Northern Minnesota Robotics Conference is hosting an Invitational event in Upsala, MN on October 30th.  Come participate in a Central Minnesota get together by bringing your students and robots to play Infinite Recharge. This is a perfect opportunity to get your team together, network with other schools from around Minnesota, practice driving, and develop new team-members’ skills in our off-season event.  Registration fee to participate will be $400 per team, This event will have a fully functional field with an integrated FMS and automated scoring. The NMRC Takes pride in providing high quality events with as close to a “Regional Event” atmosphere as possible.  Come join the fun, and help re-energize your team!

Visit: nmrconference.org for more details

Minne-Mini Regional Tournament – November 20

Registration is now open for the 2021 Minne Mini-Regional Robotics Tournament at Prior Lake High School on Saturday, November 20.  The registration form can be accessed from the EVENTS page of kingtec2169.com, or directly from the link below:

Regards,

Laurie Shimizu

FIRST Senior Mentor || ​Minnesota

Chief Volunteer Coordinator, ​FIRST Robotics Competition

Pronouns: she/her/hers