FTC Kicks Off in California

FTC Kicks Off in California

FTCBP-Game-LogoOn September 7th, three separate FTC Kickoffs were held throughout California to announce this season’s new challenge – BLOCK PARTY!

  Take a peek at how each region in California announced BLOCK PARTY! with their own flavor and FUN. NORCAL:

The FTC BLOCK PARTY! Kickoff for NorCal FTC took place at The Play Space in San Jose. We held 7 morning workshops and 6 afternoon workshops all full with standing room only! There were more than 45 teams represented and more than 500 total attendees for the 12:30pm game unveiling. We were honored to have Ken Johnson, FTC Program Director, join us for kickoff, including hosting a “I’m new to FIRST” workshop for some of the rookies in attendance. We were also pleased to be able to introduce our FIRST VISTA, Paulene Rejano, the the community. outlet iphone 7 case online We are looking forward to Paulene’s contributions in helping to bring FIRST Tech Challenge to more of the underserved communities in the SF Bay Area! — Mark Edelman and Jill Wilker, NorCal Affiliate FTC Partners

9944316006_2abe096a41_c Above photo: FTC Program Director, Ken Johnson 9944809044_1427e2272b_c 9944141096_1e629d4720_c Additional photos from the NorCal FTC Kickoff can be found here.

  LOS ANGELES:

Los Angeles FTC Kickoff this year was amazing! We had over 450 people from 61 different teams attend the event. cheap iphone xr case online We did something really special this year and “scooped” FIRST with the game reveal by two hours (yes…we got permission first) and gave out game elements and printed game manuals to every team that attended. What’s more, we had two incredible regional team sponsors who came to meet the teams they are supporting: Todd Kinsey from NRG, and Alex Heil from Rockwell Automation. cheap iphone 7 case outlet Both before and after the game reveal we held different workshop sessions for rookies and veterans, as well as for mentors and parents. cheap iphone xs case outlet I’d say that we are definitely ready for this year’s FTC BLOCK PARTY! — Liberty Naud, Los Angeles Affiliate FTC Partner

nrg grant Above photo: NRG sponsored teams Rockwell Collins grant Above photo: Rockwell Collins grant teams

  SAN DIEGO:

The kick-off party for San Diego FTC was graciously hosted by the Stuffed Dragons, Team 6565 of the Boys & Girls Club of San Diego, Linda Vista Teen Center. iphone 7 case outlet Over 20 teams attended who got a chance to view the kickoff video, get hands-on experience with the field, ask rules questions, and brainstorm. The event also featured the first-annual “tossing of the swag” — in which free game pieces were lobbed to each attending team by a strong-armed volunteer. cheap iphone 8 case online No major injuries were reported.

Silicon Valley Regional Recap

Silicon Valley Regional Recap

Congratulations to ALL Teams, Mentors, Volunteers, Sponsors, Friends and Family members who participated in the Silicon Valley Regional and helped to create an exciting and memorable weekend. cheap iphone xr case outlet iphone xs case outlet uk The following teams and individuals earned top honors at the Regional and will be going on to compete at the Championships in St. Louis in April. We wish them the best of luck! Regional Chairman’s Award Team 604, Quixilver – San Jose, CA 8652936882_df2b06c514The Silicon Valley Chairman’s Award represents the true spirit of FIRST. Iphone 8 case It honors the team that best serves as a model for other teams to emulate and that embodies the goals of FIRST. It remains FIRST’s most prestigious team award. cheap iphone 8 case cheap iphone 7 case The Chairman’s Award is presented to the team judged to have the most significant measurable impact of its partnerships among its participants, school, and community over a sustained period, not just a single build season or school year. The winner is able to demonstrate progress towards FIRST’s mission of transforming our culture. The recipient will be invited to the FIRST Championship where it will compete for the Chairman’s Award against the winners from all the other qualifying events. iphone 8 case outlet uk cheap iphone xr case iphone xs case for sale Here’s what the Judges had to say –

“This year’s Regional Chairman’s award winner is “leading the way” by successfully bringing new high-level technology classes to its campus, as well as to other regional schools. iphone xr case outlet outlet iphone xs case iphone 7 case for sale Actively involved in multiple FIRST programs, over the past three years this team has put on numerous workshops, held qualify tournaments and mentored and supported over 20 teams for participants of all ages. iphone 7 case on sales iphone 8 case outlet uk In partnership with its sponsors, this team developed and deployed innovative and user-friendly classroom curriculum. iphone xr case for sale iphone xr case outlet cheap iphone 7 case online This year their internationalized versions of this material are being used in foreign language classes at their school and are in the process of being extended to the rest of the school district. Taking “international cooperation” to a new level, their impact extends to four countries and features long-term educational partnerships. outlet iphone xs case iphone xs case for sale cheap iphone 8 case Members of this committed team have invested months of their own time teaching STEM concepts and FIRST principles in remote villages and schools. This year, the team created dozens of exciting school and community presentations and member workshops. iphone xs case on sales For a recent project, the team borrowed specialized equipment from its sponsor to create a robot building day on campus where participants learned basic building and programming concepts. outlet iphone 8 case online Whether they are busy sending books to local schools or inspiring children in India and Tanzania, this team knows how to spread STEM excitement. In the final analysis, the enthusiasm, passion and professionalism displayed by this team’s presenters proved to the judges that this sterling group of young leaders belongs at the top of the pyramid. cheap iphone xs case outlet The Silicon Valley Regional Chaiman’s Award is awarded to Team 604, Quixilver.”

Engineering Inspiration Team 233, Team Pink – Rockledge/Cocoa Beach, FL 8651838049_943ca7abceThe Engineering Inspiration Award celebrates outstanding success in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering within a team’s school and community. iphone xs case outlet uk Iphone 8 case This team will advance to the Championships and receive a $5000 grant toward registration. cheap iphone 7 case outlet Here’s what the judges had to say –

“This team is a book with a striking cover, but don’t judge! The story inside is incredibly compelling. iphone xr case outlet This team shows incredible entrepreneurship, far-reaching mentorship and inspiring outreach. outlet iphone 7 case Their story speaks volumes at high volume! A team so inspirational that they will make you dance. iphone xr case for sale cheap iphone xr case outlet The Engineering Inpiration Award goes to Team 233, Team Pink!”

Regional Winners 8652937270_1ff11ea724 Team 254, Cheesy Poofs, San Jose,CA Team 118, Robonauts League City, TX Team 1967, Janksters San Jose, CA   Rookie All-Star Award Team 4543, Apollo Robotics from San Jose, CA 3904This award celebrates a 1st year team demonstrating an early but strong partnership effort, implementing the mission of FIRST. cheap iphone 8 case outlet Its winner understands what FIRST is really trying to accomplis
h and realizes that technical work is fun and challenging, made better by building a partnership among team, community and school. cheap iphone xs case outlet This is not an easy challenge for a rookie team but the judges want to recognize and reward one team that got it right. cheap iphone 8 case outlet Here’s what the judges had to say –

“Reaching out applies to more that extending robot arms up the pyramid. cheap iphone xs case outlet This team started from scratch, going far beyond their circumstances and experience to touch classmates, familes, community and other teams. cheap iphone 8 case outlet iphone 7 case outlet iphone 7 case outlet iphone 7 case outlet They propelled themselves and those around them, fielding a multi-funtional robot. cheap iphone xs case online iphone 8 case for sale Apollo is synonymous with inspiration and so is this team. iphone xr case for sale The Rookie All-Star Award goes to Team 4543, Apollo Robotics.”

Woodie Flowers Finalist Award Dr. iphone 7 case for sale John Best Mentor for Team 604 8651782639_444dff0bebA few years after helping Dean Kamen create FIRST, Dr. outlet iphone xs case online cheap iphone 7 case outlet William Murphy founded the Woodie Flowers Award with the intent to celebrate effective communication in the art and science of engineering and design. At the FIRST Championship in St. Louis, the essays of this year’s finalists will be combined with previous finalists. One mentor will receive the Championship Woodie Flowers Award. Here’s what the judges had to say –

“One essay described a mentor who does it all. This mentor guides his students in mechanical, electrical and software design while still finding the time to mentor other teams in all aspects of an FRC team. cheap iphone xr case outlet iphone 7 case This mentor has a vision for the broader scope of FIRST and has remained involved in FLL while still serving as a key volunteer at regional events. He continues to mentor long after his son has graduated. iphone xs case on sales This mentor truly brings out the best in everyone. Please join us in congratulating the 2013 Silicon Valley Woodie Flowers Finalist Award winner from Team 604, Dr. John Best.”

  Dean’s List Finalist: Honoring FIRST Student Superstars FIRST Dean’s List Finalist #1 – Tiffany Chen, Team 4765 – Los Altos Hills, CA FIRST Dean’s List Finalist #2 – Brian Silverman, Team 971 – Mountain View, CA 8651837709_1e4a2365a6 8652937650_014e74d8e6In an effort to recognize the leadership and dedication of FIRST’s most outstanding FRC students, the Kamen family sponsors an award for selected top students known as the FIRST Dean’s List. iphone 8 case on sales This award celebrates a student’s outstanding leadership and effectiveness in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering and engineers, both within their school, as well as their community. cheap iphone xs case online cheap iphone xr case online FIRST Dean’s List Finalists will compete at the championship for the FIRST Dean’s List. iphone xs case on sales iphone xs case for sale     Additional Awards Congratulations to the Teams and individuals that earned the remaining awards at the Silicon Valley Regional! See the list here. iphone xs case on sales cheap iphone xr case outlet iphone xs case outlet uk Share Your Stories! We hope you too had a profound experience at the Silicon Valley. cheap iphone xr case outlet We’d love to hear your stories. iphone 8 case on sales Please consider sharing them with us here in the comments below or on our facebook page.

Inland Empire Regional Recap

Inland Empire Regional Recap

Congratulations to ALL Teams, Mentors, Volunteers, Sponsors, Friends and Family members who participated in the Inland Empire Regional and helped to create an exciting and memorable weekend. iphone 8 case outlet iphone 8 case outlet uk outlet iphone xr case online The following teams and individuals earned top honors at the Inland Empire Regional and will be going on to compete at the Championships in St. cheap iphone 8 case outlet Louis in April. We wish them the best of luck! Regional Chairman’s Award Team 3880, The Tiki Techs – Kailua-Kona, HI 69399_429647820458131_710521152_nThe Inland Empire Chairman’s Award represents the true spirit of FIRST. It honors the team that best serves as a model for other teams to emulate and that embodies the goals of FIRST. iphone 7 case cheap iphone xs case outlet It remains FIRST’s most prestigious team award. outlet iphone xr case online outlet iphone 7 case online iphone xs case outlet uk The Chairman’s Award is presented to the team judged to have the most significant measurable impact of its partnerships among its participants, school, and community over a sustained period, not just a single build season or school year. cheap iphone xr case The winner is able to demonstrate progress towards FIRST’s mission of transforming our culture. Iphone 8 case The recipient will be invited to the FIRST Championship where it will compete for the Chairman’s Award against the winners from all the other qualifying events. cheap iphone xs case Here’s what the Judges had to say –

“This team has an extensive outreach program that encompasses many STEM facets such as FLL, Science Olympiad and Bot Ball to name a few. iphone 7 case outlet uk Their goal is providing the next generation of students with the skills to succeed including OSHA Safety Certification, Skills USA Partnering and securing $1.5 million in private scholarships for their team’s 100% college bound students. iphone 7 case on sales The judges share the team’s motto of “kula i ka nu’u” or “strive for the summit”.”

Engineering Inspiration Team 399, Eagle Robotics – Lancaster, CA 45335_429647650458148_1543914345_nThe Engineering Inspiration Award celebrates outstanding success in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering within a team’s school and community. Iphone 8 case iphone xr case outlet iphone xs case outlet uk This team will advance to the Championships and receive a $5000 grant toward registration. cheap iphone xs case outlet iphone xs case online Here’s what the judges had to say –

“This team has made promotion of engineering a primary driving force of all their members’ activities. iphone 7 case for sale They spend their personal time and resources mentoring FLL teams, FTC teams and fellow FRC teams as well as serving their community by organizing blood drives. They are now taking their outreach global by expanding their YouTube channel to include an instructional FRC team creation video and of course their own Harlem Shake offering. The Engineering Inspiration award goes to Team 399, Eagle Robotics”

Regional Winners 425150_429645630458350_1364587101_nTeam 1538, The Holy Cows San Diego, CA Team 2485, WARLords San Diego, CA Team 968, RAWC West Covina, CA   Rookie All-Star Award Team 4470, TiGears from Placentia, CA 67959_429647423791504_1326074664_nThis award celebrates a 1st year team demonstrating an early but strong partnership effort, implementing the mission of FIRST. cheap iphone xs case Its winner understands what FIRST is really trying to accomplish and realizes that technical work is fun and challenging, made better by building a partnership among team, community and school. This is not an easy challenge for a rookie team but the judges want to recognize and reward one team that got it right. iphone 8 case on sales outlet iphone 7 case Here’s what the judges had to say –

“This rookie team has a core foundation and will grow into a solid team in the FIRST family. The team has actively worked with FTC in the Los Angeles area and is outstanding with fundraising capabilities, even going so far as to provide financial support to an existing FRC team. cheap iphone xs case online The team knows all the nuts and bolts of the Ultimate Ascent playing field by volunteering and assisting with field set-up – not only practice fields but 4 regional FRC events over the past four weeks. cheap iphone 7 case online this rookie team has clawed their way to the top of the rookie teams at the Inland Empire Regional. iphone xr case on sales The Rookie All Star award goes to team 4470, the TiGears!”

Woodie Flowers Finalist Award Steve Zimmerman Mentor for Team 2429 8610426992_933f66c695A few years after helping Dean Kamen create FIRST, Dr. cheap iphone xs case iphone xr case for sale William Murphy founded the Woodie Flowers Award with the intent to celebrate effective communication in the art and science of engineering and design. cheap iphone xs case online At the FIRST Championship in St. iphone xs case outlet uk Louis, the essays of this year’s finalists will be combined with previous finalists. iphone xs case outlet uk One mentor will receive the Championship Woodie Flowers Award. Here’s what the judges had to say –

“The selected mentor started this team at his school several years ago. As the team grew, they moved to a bigger work area. iphone xs case outlet His team is not only involved in FRC, FTC and FLL. iphone xr case outlet Growth in this case includes 10 different robotics activities. This mentor knows that by working with parents, FIRST will grow in the community. cheap iphone xs case His efforts continue to bring this team together as a big robotics family. iphone 8 case outlet Please welcome the 2013 Inland Empire Woodie Flowers Award Recipient, Steve Zimmerman of FRC Team 2429″

  Dean’s List Finalist: Honoring FIRST Student Superstars FIRST Dean’s List Finalist #1 – William Goishi, Team 1422 – Fresno, CA FIRST Dean’s List Finalist #2 – David Lepore, Team 4470 – Placentia, CA 604000_429647763791470_1673092839_n7294_429647633791483_1867037401_n In an effort to recognize the leadership and dedication of FIRST’s most outstanding FRC students, the Kamen family sponsors an award for selected top students known as the FIRST Dean’s List. This award celebrates a student’s outstanding leadership and effectiveness in advancing respect and appreciation for engineering and engineers, both within their school, as well as their community. iphone xs case on sales FIRST Dean’s List Finalists will compete at the championship for the FIRST Dean’s List. iphone xr case for sale Additional Awards Congratulations to the Teams and individuals that earned the remaining awards at the Inland Empire Regional! See the list here. FIRST Impressions Throughout each day, we saw numerous first hand examples of FIRST values and qualities. One that we’d like to share is a story about a Team Without A Mentor. iphone 7 case outlet uk 8609434141_4cb0823030On Thursday, the call went out over the volunteer’s radios . outlet iphone 8 case outlet iphone xr case . iphone 7 case for sale cheap iphone xr case online outlet iphone xr case . cheap iphone xs case iphone 8 case on sales “uh, we have a team here with no mentor”. iphone 7 case outlet And so began the inspirational story of other teams, mentors, and volunteers pulling together to help Team 4736 The Slumber Jacks. iphone xs case outlet uk cheap iphone 7 case outlet A mentor from a nearby team adopted 4736 and became their mentor for the day. Other teams came by to help them build a set of bumpers, help with robot repairs and even take the team out to the field to help with strategy. iphone 7 case for sale iphone 7 case outlet cheap iphone 8 case online Thursday evening found The Slumber Jacks talking about all the help they received and excited to come back on Friday to compete. 8662980779_af957e61cd By Saturday, there was a complete transformation of The Slumber Jacks. iphone 8 case on sales With the efforts of the team and the help of plenty of new found friends, the students of Team 4736 had fought their way to the 19th rank team and earned the Highest Rookie Seed award. The team went home inspired and ready to come back next year and do even better. iphone 7 case on sales We hope you too had a profound experience at the Inland Empire Regional. iphone 8 case on sales We’d love to hear your stories. iphone 7 case on sales iphone xr case on sales Please consider sharing them with us here in the comments below or on our facebook page.

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