We can all agree 2020 has been quite a year! Regardless of the chaos we have all endured, we are excited for what's ahead with the 2020/21 FIRST Game Changers season, including a new remote game design challenge, an expanded remote innovation challenge and the coveted awards competition for students and mentors.
This past weekend NE FIRST engaged with team members from our six states during our first EVER Virtual University Day live streamed on our three Twitch channels with the technical support of our friends at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI).
We have begun to set plans in motion for hybrid remote/in-person FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) mini-events in Spring 2021. In January, with collaboration from FIRST HQ, it will be determined if we can proceed with this plan. If we can't meet in person for events, your New England leaders will work diligently to ensure there are plenty of remote activities to keep our teams busy and engaged.
Over the next few months, we will be focusing on #morethanrobots activities such as community outreach and program growth/accessibility across all of our programs. Last month, we were guests at the mini Maker Fair at Connecticut Science Center and next week we will be participating in MASS STEM Week with the Boston Children's Museum. To keep us moving forward, we need your help.
Investments in NE FIRST mission support will help us to:
- Support and grow the progression of all of our programs across New England
- Plan and develop future seasons, games, materials and technology
- Volunteer/mentor/coach/teacher materials development and 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
Highlights from the 2020 FRC Season at Granite State, Northern CT, Waterbury and SE MASS District Events
