Author: Aaron

FRC kids

What is FIRST Robotics Competition?

Aaron

FIRST® Robotics Competition is the landmark robotics competition for students. Under strict rules, with limited time and resources, high school teams use sophisticated technology to build and code industrial-size robots for a challenging field game. Each team develops a brand, raises funds to meet its goals, and works to promote STEM in the local community. At district and regional events, cheering crowds root for qualifying teams as students compete with their robots for prestigious awards and a coveted spot at the FIRST Championship. As students learn real-world engineering concepts, they build their confidence and workforce skills and connect with professional team mentors and sponsors who can help them succeed. Plus, participants and alumni are eligible to apply for more than $80 million in scholarships and access career discovery opportunities and connections. FIRST Robotics Competition is one of three FIRST® programs helping to develop the next generation of leaders and innovators.

FTC Freight Frenzy kickoff Invitation

Aaron

Aloha Students, Team Leaders, Mentors, and Volunteers!

Hawai’i FIRST Robotics is delighted to present the Hawai’i FTC 2021 “Freight Frenzy” Kickoff.  Although we are not able to come together in person during these unusual times, we certainly can meet online to launch the new season and explore the opportunities for you to continue learning, building, and exploring new challenges.

 Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021

9:00am to 10:00am,  via ZOOM: https://tinyurl.com/5cdp9ww8

Meeting ID: 892 5020 7036

Passcode: 353473  

What you will learn: 

  • How the Hawai’i season will progress under current COVID conditions
  • How Game Rules, Matches, and Events have changed to accommodate your team’s unique scheduling needs 
  • New Team Grant Opportunities
  • Revisions  to the Championship Event 
  • Answers to  all your questions

For more information about FIRST Tech Challenge and other FIRST programs, go to https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/ftc/game-and-season

See you at the Kickoff,

Aaron, Jenny, & Blake

Your FTC Partners with 

Hawaii FIRST Robotics 

a 503c3 Hawai’i non-profit organization

FTC “Freight Frenzy” Season Preview

Aaron
  1. “Freight Frenzy” Kickoff announcement
  2. Preview of Season Logistics
  3. $$$ Grants for Teams
  4. What are your plans for this season?
  5. You are invited: Be a Hawai’i FTC Planner

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“Freight Frenzy” Online KickoffFREIGHT FRENZY logo

The FIRST® Tech Challenge season will kick off September 18 with the new game “Freight Frenzy”. 

  • Links to the national and Hawai’i Kickoff events will be posted when available. 
  • Registration for the 2021-2022 season is now open in the FIRST Dashboard.
  • Game rules include half-field modification options for remote and hybrid formats as needed. 

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2021-2022 FIRST® Hawai’i FTC Preview
Here’s a look at what we’re planning for the 2021-2022 Hawai’i FTC season:

  • The Hawai’i season will consist of weekly remote qualifying events similar to last year
  • League Meets will be scheduled weekly from November to March providing flexibility for teams to participate on their preferred schedule.  
  • In-person events are NOT planned at this time based on the latest recommendations from the Hawai’i Department of Health and CDC.  
  • For the latest information about FTC Hawai’i events, team grants, and more

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$$$ Grants for Teams

  • $1,000 Bayer FIRST Team Grants. Oahu, Molokai, and Maui only. Sept 30 deadline.
  • $500 FIRST Tech Challenge Rookie Grant. Deadline 11/01/21
  • FIRST Equity and Access Grant for rookie and verteran teams. Deadline 8/16/21
  • $1,000 BAE Systems Team Grant for rookie and veteran teams. 
  • For the latest grant offers visit https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/team-grants

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Tell us your plans for this season? 

We are committed to working with you to bring FIRST Tech Challenge to the students in your life. Although we’re doing our best to navigate current uncertainties, we cannot effectively plan ahead without feedback from you.  So, please email us and tell us if your team(s) will be participating this season, along with any suggestions for improving our program.  

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Become a Hawai’i FTC Planner 

We always do better with your help. Please join us for the Hawai’i FTC Planners meeting via Zoom, Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 4:00-5:00pm.  Email us for the Zoom link. 

We look forward to working with you to move FTC FORWARD.

Aloha,

Aaron, Blake, & Jenny

FTC Partners for
Hawaii FIRST Robotics,
a 501c3 non-profit organization 

FTC Championship Awards

Aaron

Aloha Teams,

Congratulations to all the Hawai`i teams who participated in the FIRST Tech Challenge Ultimate Goal Championship. With the League season now behind us and with scores tallied, the judges have rendered their decisions.  We know you are anxious to see the Championship results so we are releasing them below and on the Hawai`i FIRST Robotics website.  

Hawai`i FTC Awards Show, Coming Soon

Although having an in-person celebration wasn’t possible this season we are working to produce a Hawai`i FTC Awards Show (online) to be released on or before May 9. It’s our way of celebrating your achievements and acknowledging the countless hours of hard work that went into creating your amazing robotics. Help us pass the word to families and friends and encourage them to stream the video when available.  A link will be forthcoming.

Championship Award Volunteers

The Championship and these Awards would not have been possible without our volunteers. We are especially grateful to the Dean’s List Interviewers, Championship Judges, and to LeJardin Academy for providing the Championship Judging venue. We sincerely thank the following volunteers for their time, effort, dedication, and for making this season a success: Teri Nobriga, Jeff Kanada, John O’Hey, Tim Donlon, Brian Catlin, Tyson Kikugawa, Melissa Handy, Tracy Tonaki, Dale Zane, Marian Swider, and Danette Kobayashi.

Mahalo to our Sponsors

  • Hitachi Hawai`i
  • Booz Allen

 “Ultimate Goal” Awards

Dean’s List Finalists 
Kyla Lee9378 Magma Robotics, Kalani High School
Jake Yoshimoto11165 O-Bots (Independent)
Top Ranked Teams
Rank 111165 O-Bots – Honolulu, HI 
Rank 218120 HFR JS 3 – Honolulu, HI 
Rank 313088 Cyber Saints –  Kapaa, HI 
Rank 45159 X-bots – Honolulu, HI
Control Award sponsored by Arm, Inc. 18120 HFR JS 3 – Honolulu, HI 
Collins Aerospace Innovate Award 13088 Cyber Saints – Kapaa, HI 
Connect Award9378 Magma Robotics – Honolulu, HI 
Think Award 11165 O-Bots – Honolulu, HI 
Inspire Award 18120 HFR JS 3 – from Honolulu, HI

Mahalo for a great season!

Aaron, Blake, Jenny

FTC Program Delivery Partners

Hawai`i FIRST Robotics 

Booz Allen and Hawai`i FIRST Robotics Are Creating an Island-Based Tech Talent Pipeline

Aaron

Hawai`i, best known as one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, has a problem retaining talent in technical fields: Many young people have been leaving the islands due to a combination of the high cost of living and a lack of economic opportunities, both real and perceived. The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated efforts to improve economic resilience by diversifying the local economy.  

Hawai`i FIRST Robotics and Booz Allen are working to be part of the solution by introducing students from ages 6 to 18 to STEM projects, aiming to keep tech talent in Hawai`i and grow the state’s innovation ecosystem. Read more …