Category: FIRST Tech Challenge

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 …

Sign up for FTC Remote League meets

Hawaii FTC Partner

Aloha Hawai’i FTC teams,

Follow this link to register your team to participate in Hawai’i League Meets. One form must be completed for each team.

All currently scheduled Hawaii FTC events will be held remotely. Also, teams are encouraged to participate in as many League meets as they are able. A team’s top ten (10) Matches from all previous league meets determine their rank when entering the League Tournament at the end of the season. Since traveling between islands is not required this year, the past season’s ranking method is not being used.

Teams have a full week to complete a Remote League Meet which consists of 6 scored matches. Remote Meets begin on Sunday and end on Saturday of that week. If you sign up for an event, you are expected to submit scores for that event by 11:50pm on Saturday of that week. Failure to submit scores will be considered a no show and result in a score of zero.

HAWAII REGISTRATION FEES WAIVED: To encourage and support teams during the pandemic, Hawaii FIRST Robotics has waived all Hawaii registration fees.

If you need help or have questions, visit Hawaii FTC Updates https://hawaiifirstrobotics.orgfirst-tech-challenge/ or email us at ftc@hawaiifirstrobotics.org.

Mahalo, and good luck throughout the season!

Remote Season webinars for FTC teams

Hawaii FTC Partner

FIRST Tech Challenge is offering a series of webinars for Teams to provide support and answer questions about our upcoming remote season. Teams may register for the November Team webinars below. Note, registration requires a Team number.

You can find the archive for all Team webinar recordings here.

Hawaii FTC update nov. 3, 2020

Hawaii FTC Partner

Aloha Teams, 

We hope your FTC season is progressing well.  We have several important updates for you today.  But first, let’s address a question that may be concerning you. 

Is it too late to start a FTC team and participate fully in the season?

No, it is definitely not too late.  In fact, it’s entirely possible given our expanded season, for a team to start as late as January and still enjoy the full season experience. To us, “full participation” means competing in three League Meets, one League Tournament, and/or Championship. Participation in the Championship is not mandatory, however, your team’s award earning prospects will be greatly diminished by missing the event. 

Good news! No registration fees for Hawaii Teams!

Hawaii FIRST Robotics® has officially waived the $120 Hawaii team registration fee.  It’s our way of supporting all the hard work you do when learning new skills and making the world a better place.   

Great News!! FREE RevRobotics Control Hub for Hawaii Teams

Our stellar sponsor, Hitachi Hawaii, has graciously provided Hawaii FIRST Robotics with funding to support each team’s effort this season. Thanks to Hitachi’s generous support, each registered Hawaii team participating in the Ultimate Goal Hawaii season will receive a new RevRobotics Control Hub, a $300 value.  Click here to request yours.

Expanded Hawaii Season Calendar (link)

To accommodate the various scheduling requirements of our teams, we have added many new events to the season.  Beginning this month, teams may participate in weekly league events stretching to the end of February. March will include a League Tournament in which all teams may participate, as well as the Ultimate Goal Championship event. Note, all Hawaii events will be held remotely (online) and teams will have a one week period in which to complete the required matches and submit scores for each event.

Scoring Software release expected in late November

The official FIRST FTC Scoring Software is anticipated to be released by the time our first League event begins on Nov. 29.  If the software is not released in time, teams may decide to forego that week’d event OR use paper scoresheets. Paper/pencil scores should be submitted directly to your FTC Partners. 

Are you missing information?

If you missed the Official FIRST FTC Kickoff or the Hawaii FTC Kickoff, you may be missing key season information your team will need. Please review the kickoffs (links above) and then visit the FTC Team Management Resources page for official game manuals, grant opportunities, and practical help with setting up your remote league events. 

That’s for now. Send us an email when you have questions or need help. Until next time, keep up the good work. We wish you all the best.

Your FTC Partners,

Aaron, Blake, and Jenny

Aloha teams,

Mari

Booz Allen Hamilton and Hawaiʻi FIRST® Robotics are thrilled to support the following teams in their efforts to increase Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in their team, their community and beyond. We wish them all the best in the new FIRST® season and look forward to hearing about their journeys. Congratulations to these teams:

  • FIRST LEGO League Junior Team #7789, Kipapa Cougar Cubs II, Kipapa Elementary School
  • FIRST Tech Challenge Team #11165 O-Bots
  • FIRST Robotics Competition Team #3008, Team Magma, Kalani High School
Hawaii FIRST Robotics and Booz | Allen | Hamilton