We are happy to report 91 FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) teams have already registered for the 2021 Game Changers season. This week we will be launching the #NEFIRSTRegistered social media campaign encouraging teams in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont to share if they have registered and why. We hope this will encourage other teams to come back to participate in the interactive and innovative remote events FIRST has planned.
Here in New England, our plans have been set in motion for hybrid remote/in-person FRC mini-events in Spring 2021. In January, with collaboration from FIRST HQ, it will be determined if we can proceed with this plan.
Corporate sponsors are stepping up to assist teams in their funding needs and FIRST has published a list of grant opportunities now available.
To keep New England FIRST moving forward at full speed, we need help from our entire community. Investments in mission support will help us to:
- Support and grow the progression of all of our programs across New England
- Volunteer/mentor/coach/teacher support
- R&D for future programs and activities
- Program evaluation, development and support
- Professional development for future mentors
- Alumni outreach and engagement
- Implementation of workforce development, innovation and design challenge initiatives
- Support key leadership roles to manage organization and activities
- Interns stipend assistance
Please find it in your heart to keep our non-profit organization agile and stable during these challenging times. Our small, but nimble, team continues to meet regularly with FIRST headquarters staff as well as district leaders from across the country to determine how 2020/21 will unfold.
You can make a donation directly through our website, which is linked
to our Pay Pal account. Donations can be made here at https://nefirst.org/donate/
Thank you so much for your continued support of STEM experiences
and robotics across New England. Our work is so critical in creating the workforce of tomorrow.
Peace & robots,
Kim Pita
Interim Executive Director
