Dear FIRST LEGO League Challenge Family –
FIRST Washington faces some new opportunities and challenges this year. FLL and FTC are both going to operate remotely at this time and FRC is also going to operate remotely using alternate programs. We are, however, still FIRST and intend to keep as many FIRST things as possible this year.
Our goals for the year are to
- Keep our community connected and engaged.
- Provide our students with opportunities to shine
- Sustain the FIRST eco-system in Washington
- Includes teams, volunteers, sponsors, and staff
FIRST has come up with a plan to run remote events this season. This will allow our teams the option of competing even if we can’t hold in person events. We have been beta testing the Remote Event Hub and though they still have some bugs to work out, it looks like a very robust system and should provide teams with a good event experience.
The goal is to ensure everyone has a chance to participate and to keep the momentum of the FIRST experience going through continued innovation, teamwork, skills building and FUN. We would LOVE and anticipate to see all Washington teams participate in some way this season to stay connected to our community.
By participating remotely, your team will stay connected with the FIRST community as well as your sponsors. We encourage ALL teams to register and participate this fall.
FIRST Washington is moving forward with preparations for in person events. We don’t expect to run in person events given the current state of the world, but would love to be surprised, and are prepared to run in person events. We will communicate regularly with teams regarding in person events as restrictions change and if in person events are offered, your team is welcome to attend one. We will be holding remote events regardless so no team should feel they have to choose an in person event even if one is offered in their area.
The participation fee will be $150 this season. Since we do not expect to have in person FLL Challenge events this year, we have left the costs for events out of the registration fee. Your registration fee will be used to support FIRST Washington as we navigate the year and provide great support to our network of teams and volunteers.
If we do end up running in person events, teams will be charged an additional Event Registration fee which has not been determined yet.
Washington Public School Teams:
A large amount of funding in Washington, is provided by the Washington State Legislature in the form of iGrants (iGrant #424 for FRC, #605 for FTC, and #606 for FLL). These are due on 11/2/20 so get started right away. The state funds us by providing WA state public schools funding to pay our registration fee. We are unable to make use of that funding if you don’t participate.
We don’t want finances to be a barrier to any team this season. If finances are a barrier for your team please:
- Look at the FIRST website regularly to see what additional grants become available
- Fill out the FIRST Washington Grant
We will be sure to keep you informed as updates become available. Please know we are here to support you, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions, concerns or suggestions.
Jacqueline Grimm
Program Manager,
FIRST Washington
Adrienne Rime
Director of Programs,
FIRST Washington