Welcome back to the new school year! Are YOU ready to ENERGIZE????

 

Arizona Kickoff, September 10, 2022 at the ASU Memorial Union! 

Kickoff will feature the Power Play game reveal and numerous workshops for students and mentors to get your team ready for the new season! Doors will open at 7:30 AM with the game reveal at 9:00 AM and workshops right after. 

We are looking for teams to host 30-minute and 60-minute workshops on technical and non-technical topics. 

Please fill out the KICKOFF RSVP form letting us know your plans for Kickoff and if your team plans to host a workshop. DEADLINE for signing up to host a workshop is August 31.

Tool & Spare Part Drive at Kickoff!

Are you interested in helping out other teams? Is your workshop to cluttered with old tools and parts? We will be having a tool and parts drive at the FTC kickoff. Please bring any tools or parts that you no longer need. Thank you for your help.

Dear Arizona FIRST® Tech Challenge Community, 

We are excited about the upcoming 2022-2023 season, FIRST® ENERGIZE^SM presented by Qualcomm, and the FIRST Tech Challenge game, POWERPLAY^SM presented by Raytheon Technologies.  Unfortunately, the REV Robotics Control Hub, a core component of the reusable FIRST Tech Challenge robot kit, is currently unavailable due to ongoing global supply chain disruptions. All efforts are being made to have Control Hubs in stock in time for kickoff in September. 

In the meantime, we are asking our existing teams to help rookie teams get started by sharing spare Control Hubs and/or Expansion Hubs with Android Phones.  Many teams have spare equipment or Expansion Hubs that they have replaced with Control Hubs.  If you can help “share the spare,” please reach out to your local ftc.arizona@gmail.com and submit the form for Arizona.

Arizona Qualifying Tournaments

We anticipate running 8 qualifying tournaments in Arizona this year from November through early February, with the Arizona Championship in late February. We currently have 4 of the 8 events confirmed with schools and will post the schedule and open registration before Kickoff. Similar to last year, we will use a flat fee structure for competing in 2 or 3 events. We highly encourage every team to compete at least twice to maximize your season and your team's growth, learning, and fun! 

We're hoping to open tournament registration about 1 week prior to Kickoff. Stay tuned for the schedule and how to register. 

Grants Available

The FIRST Tech Challenge Rookie Grants are now available, as well as grants for veteran teams through Boeing and Raytheon if your team has mentors from these companies. Check the grants page here and be sure to check back as the season get started for more funding opportunities. 

FTC Blog - Rules updates

Did you know that Game Manual Part 1 is already out? The most recent FIRST Tech Challenge Blog post outlines several rule changes for the upcoming season. These changes include rankings, electrical and mechanical, inspection, and team rules that are updated for the 2022-2023 season. Please be sure to Read the Blog here and read Game Manual Part 1 for the full set of competition rules. Game Manual Part 2 will have the game specific rules and will be available after the game is revealed on September 10. 

Updated Resources for Teams

• Mentor Manual
• Basic Bot Guide – REV
• Basic Bot Guide - TETRIX 

Free SolidWorks License for FIRST Teams 

New this season! All FIRST Teams can receive a free license for the SolidWorks 3D modeling software! Check out the SolidWorks Robotics site to apply for yours!

 

Save the Date for KICKOFF!!!

 

Get ready for the 2022-2023 Season FIRST ENERGIZE and the FIRST Tech Challenge Game "Power Play!!!"

Save the Date for the Arizona Kickoff, September 10, 2022 at the ASU Memorial Union! 

Kickoff will feature the Power Play game reveal and numerous workshops for students and mentors to get your team ready for the new season! Doors will open at 7:30 AM with the game reveal at 9:00 AM and workshops right after. 

We are looking for teams to host 30-minute and 60-minute workshops on technical and non-technical topics. 

Please fill out the KICKOFF RSVP form letting us know your plans for Kickoff and if your team plans to host a workshop. 

Arizona Qualifying Tournaments

We anticipate running 8 qualifying tournaments in Arizona this year from November through early February, with the Arizona Championship in late February. We currently have 4 of the 8 events confirmed with schools and will post the schedule and open registration before Kickoff. Similar to last year, we will use a flat fee structure for competing in 2 or 3 events. We highly encourage every team to compete at least twice to maximize your season and your team's growth, learning, and fun! 

Grants Available

The FIRST Tech Challenge Rookie Grants are now available, as well as grants for veteran teams through Boeing and Raytheon if your team has mentors from these companies. Check the grants page here and be sure to check back as the season get started for more funding opportunities. 

Dear Arizona FIRST® Tech Challenge Community, 

We are excited about the upcoming 2022-2023 season, FIRST® ENERGIZE^SM presented by Qualcomm, and the FIRST Tech Challenge game, POWERPLAY^SM presented by Raytheon Technologies.  Unfortunately, the REV Robotics Control Hub, a core component of the reusable FIRST Tech Challenge robot kit, is currently unavailable due to ongoing global supply chain disruptions. All efforts are being made to have Control Hubs in stock in time for kickoff in September. 

In the meantime, we are asking our existing teams to help rookie teams get started by sharing spare Control Hubs and/or Expansion Hubs with Android Phones.  Many teams have spare equipment or Expansion Hubs that they have replaced with Control Hubs.  If you can help “share the spare,” please reach out to your local ftc.arizona@gmail.com and submit the form for Arizona.

Arizona Championship Results & Scholarship Opportunity

Congratulations to all our Arizona Championship teams, and every Arizona team that competed in the Freight Frenzy season! We're so proud of everything you've accomplished. A huge THANK YOU to all our coaches, mentors, volunteers, and tournament hosts who made this season possible. 

We can't wait to see you all for Kickoff next season. Stay tuned for details and updates as we get closer. 

Arizona Championship Results

Special thank you to FRC Team 2486 The CocoNuts for running an amazing event!

The pictures we took during the event can be found HERE.

• Inspire Award:14436, Roaring Robotics
• Dean's List Finalists: 
• Braden, 14854 Pioneer 327
• Grace, 8081, Knights of the Lab Table
• Brandon, 11980, Team Viper
• Event Winning Alliance (from the Saguaro Division):
• 12767, Catholic Master Builders
• 18420, Metal Masters
• Event Finalist Alliance (from the Grand Canyon Division):
• 14835, Tie-Dye Samurai
• 14584, Pioneer 327
• Grand Canyon Finalist Alliance: 
•  2844, Valley X Robotics
• 15135, Venom
• Saguaro Division Finalist Alliance:
• 13968, Herberger Howlers
• 6174, Automatons
• Think Award: 6174, Automatons
• Connect Award: 10984, Beep Patrol
• Innovate Award sponsored by Raytheon: 2844, Valley X Robotics
• Control Award sponsored by Arm, Inc: 14584, Pioneer 327
• Motivate Award: 13910, Voltage
• Design Award: 8081, Knights of the Lab Table
• Promote Award: 10984, Beep Patrol
• Compass Award: Demian Quiroz, 15135 Venom
• Judges' Choice Award: 18421, Unscheduled Disassembly

Preparing FIRST^® LEGO^® League teams for FIRST Tech Challenge

If you know FIRST^® LEGO^® League Challenge teams in your area with students graduating from the program, you know they can continue the adventure, further develop their STEM skills, and strengthen teamwork and collaboration while practicing the next level of coding and robot building through FIRST Tech Challenge. Share this form with FIRST LEGO League Challenge coaches and parents who would like to receive more information from FIRST^® on preparing for FIRST Tech Challenge and continuing the FIRST fun!

FIRST Scholarship Opportunity: The Knowledge Society

Unique Opportunity
The Knowledge Society (TKS) is a 10-month program for kids ages 13-17 who are looking to make a real impact with emerging technologies to solve the world’s biggest problems, like climate change, world hunger, poverty, and more.

What does TKS do?
TKS provides high school students with the tools, the environment, and the community to enable success. Sessions take place on the weekends from September to June. Here’s what to expect:

• Learn about 20+ emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Genetic Engineering, Space Tech, and Quantum Computing, and build a portfolio of real projects in the area of your choice.
• Accelerate your personal growth with training on the mindsets, mental models, and habits of world leaders and CEOs.
• Work with global organizations to solve real challenges using advanced problem-solving frameworks. This year, students are participating in consulting challenges with Shell, Walmart, Ikea, XPRIZE, and the UN.
• Join a global community of similarly curious and ambitious people who will support and encourage your growth as your future best friends and collaborators.
• Receive mentorship from industry experts with experience at companies including Google, Tesla, Apple, Microsoft, BenchSci, and more.
• Exceptional TKS Innovators can earn access to unique opportunities, including the prestigious Morehead-Cain Scholarship, the Masason Scholars program, internships, and speaking opportunities.

Application Process

TKS is now accepting applications to the Global program. We do not look at grades, and there is no prerequisite to applying. There are very limited spaces available.

For early consideration, please submit an application by March 31st, 2022. Applicants who move to the next stage will be invited to a group interview with the Global Program Director.

Financial Aid
After being accepted into the program, students will then apply for Financial Aid, if needed. TKS provides:

• Merit-based Scholarships
• Needs-based Scholarships
• Full-ride scholarships for exceptional students.

Our corporate partners help ensure the program remains accessible for students from all backgrounds. Students from FIRST are also eligible for a $500 scholarship. If you are accepted into the program, please use the code 2223FIRST when you enroll.

Where do I apply?
Learn more about our community, the curriculum, and program benefits on our website here. There is limited cohort availability and financial assistance so we recommend applying early!

Last chance to apply to Girls Who Code’s life-changing summer programs before the March 18th final deadline!

Both programs are 100% free with options to join between June 17 - August 12, and empower high school students who identify as girls or non-binary to make a difference in the world with technology. Plus, both offer incredible college and career benefits that support you for life! Learn more by visiting the FAQ page or by joining a webinar.

·   The 2-week Summer Immersion Program (SIP) welcomes current 9th-11th graders to join live virtual classrooms. You’ll make lifelong friendships as you learn web design together – creating real-world projects in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. You’ll even get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at industry-leading companies like EA, Pfizer, and ViacomCBS. Plus, all SIP students can access need-based grants up to $500 for completing the program!

·   The Self-Paced Program is an alternative option that gives current 9th-12th graders the flexibility to earn beginner-level badges in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript or an intermediate-level badge in Python for cybersecurity through independent study.

📣 📣  Don’t miss your chance! Head to girlswhocode.com/summerapply today and submit the quick 15-minute app before the final deadline on March 18th!

Good Luck Arizona Championship Teams!

GOOD LUCK to all the Teams competing at the Arizona FIRST Tech Challenge Championship this weekend!! 

GO TEAMS!!!

Check out the action on the live stream below. 

Keep up with the scores and rankings here.

Thank you to the CocoNuts for running the live stream and for hosting the Championship! 

Saguaro Division

Grand Canyon Division

 

Qualifiers are Done...AZ Championship is Next!

Congratulations to all the teams that qualified for the Arizona FIRST Tech Challenge Championship! 

If you're team is done competing for the season, consider volunteering for the Championship! You can register to volunteer through your FIRST Dashboard or by following the instructions here. The Arizona FIRST Tech Challenge Championship is February 18 and 19, 2022 at Sinagua Middle School in Flagstaff. 

Compass & Promote Awards

New this season! ANY Arizona team can submit for the Compass and Promote Awards, even if you are not competing at the Arizona Championship! 

• Compass: Create a 1-minute video honoring your coach or mentor
• Promote: Create a 1-minute PSA video answering the prompt, "If there was one thing I would tell my younger self about FIRST, it would be..."
• Check out the video requirements HERE.
• Deadline for submitting videos has been extended to SUNDAY, Feb. 13 at 5 PM. Submissions can be uploaded HERE.

Important Manual Updates

There have been some important manual updates. Please be sure to download the most recent versions of the following manuals. All updates are noted in the revision history of each document.

• Game Manual Part 1 – Traditional

Congratulations to all the teams that competed in qualifiers this season! It was amazing to see the growth in the game play in just this first event. We can't wait to see how your teams and robots grow throughout the season. Congrats also to the teams that advanced to the Arizona Championship! You can see the Championship roster by clicking the link to the right and the complete event results (including match scores and rankings) on the official FIRST Tech Challenge event results page (link to the right). 

Copper Results

Special thank you to Team 10523 Dragons for hosting! 

• Inspire Award: 14584, Pioneer 327
• Winning Alliance: 14584, Pioneer 327 & 14835, Tie-Dye Samurai & 12241, Panther Robotics
• Finalist Alliance:  11980, Team Viper & 15125, Venom & 10984, Beep Patrol
• Think Award: 17460, Technical Terrors
• Connect Award: 19509, Minimum Wagers
• Innovate Award sponsored by Raytheon: 13309, botCatz
• Control Award sponsored by Arm, Inc: 14835, Tie-Dye Samurai
• Motivate Award: 12241, Panther Robotics
• Design Award: 10984, Beep Patrol
• Judges' Choice Award: 15058, RoboJags

Turquoise Results

Special thank you to VCS Robotics for hosting! 

• Inspire Award: 14254, Trivium Knight Lights
• Winning Alliance: 12767, Catholic Master Builders & 5661, Wolves Robotics
• Finalist Alliance:  16647, Trivium Undefined & 17640, Technical Terrors
• Think Award: 12767, Catholic Master Builders
• Connect Award: 19728, Carbo-Knights
• Innovate Award sponsored by Raytheon: 3666, Hawks Robotics
• Control Award sponsored by Arm, Inc: 14436, Roaring Robotics
• Motivate Award: 18625, Trivium Knightmares
• Design Award: 5661, Wolves Robotics
• Judges' Choice Award: 15135, Venom

Petrified Wood Results

Special thank you to Team 201 BroncoBotics for hosting! 

• Inspire Award: 10984, Beep Patrol
• Winning Alliance: 13968, Herberger Howlers & 18291, Mech Warriors & 10984, Beep Patrol
• Finalist Alliance:  18420, Metal Masters & 18421, Unscheduled Disassembly & 11794, Sunrise Koolbotics
• Think Award: 20679, Tech Cat Robotics
• Connect Award: 13910, Voltage
• Innovate Award sponsored by Raytheon: 18420, Metal Masters
• Control Award sponsored by Arm, Inc: 13968, Herberger Howlers
• Motivate Award: 10111, Herberger Javelinas
• Design Award: 10523, Dragons
• Judges' Choice Award: 14632, CAVIAT

Desert Vista Results

Special thank you to Team 14624 Cat-astrophic Byte for hosting! 

• Inspire Award: 6174, Automatons
• Winning Alliance: 7156, Wolves Robotics & 11980, Team Viper & 18420, Metal Masters
• Finalist Alliance:  6174, Automatons & 19728, Carbo-Knights & 18421, Unscheduled Dissassembly
• Think Award: 14584, Pioneer 327
• Connect Award: 18625, Trivium Knightmares
• Innovate Award sponsored by Raytheon: 7156, Wolves Robotics 
• Control Award sponsored by Arm, Inc: 10523, Dragons
• Motivate Award: 8081, Knights of the Lab Table
• Design Award: 19728, Carbo-Knights
• Judges' Choice Award: 8499, Robo Hawks