Cross Program Update 12-10-2025

General FIRST Indiana Robotics Updates

Holiday Hours – FIRST Indiana Robotics Offices are closed December 24 through January 2 FIN Offices will open on Monday, January 5, 2026.

Outreach Opportunities:

FIRST Indiana Robotics Statehouse Day – Thursday, January 29 9AM – Noon We are especially looking for some FLL and FTC teams.

Pacers STEMFEST – Saturday, January 31 – Gainbridge Fieldhouse – teams that participate will receive some tickets to a Pacers game for February 3.

The Amp winter Farmer’s Market – The winter farmer’s market runs every Saturday from 9AM – Noon beginning in November and running through April 25. We would like to have a once a month STEAM Saturday. This would be a chance for FRC or FTC teams to demo and run a hands-on STEAM activity for kids. Teams would need to provide this activity.

If your team is interested in hosting a STEAM activity table at the Farmer’s Market, please contact Chris Osborne

FIRST LEGO League Explore Updates

FIN Hosted Explore Festival – Saturday, January 10 at UIndy – Register Here

FIRST LEGO League Challenge Updates

We are heading into two weeks of FLL Challenge Semi-State Tournaments, good luck teams! We will be sending out emails soon to teams that didn’t advance to a semi-state about the Spring Fling in April.

We are looking for volunteers for our FLL Challenge Semi-State in Vincennes, specifically judges. Here is the link to apply.

FIRST Tech Challenge Updates

Westfield QT Results

Top 2 reasons FTC teams failed inspection at Westfield

  1. Did not fit in 18 inch cube configuration.
  2. Power on/off switch not easily accessible.

Download FTC Inspection Checklist

FIRST Training Tips – Access in Dashboard Account

  1. We encourage all teams to have mentors complete the “Mentor Ready” training this year. It will be mandatory next year.
  2. Have students do FTC Judge and/or Referee training. We are hearing that students find this training helps prepare them better for competition.

Dean’s List Final Reminder

Dean’s List nominations are due December 15 11:59PM Eastern Time. We recommend you get your essays completed early.

FIRST Robotics Competition Updates

  • Kickoff – Saturday, January 10 – Live Stream Noon Eastern
    • UIndy – RB Annis School of Engineering
    • IU Luddy -Bloomington
    • Michigan City High School
    • Homestead High School Fort Wayne
    • West Lafayette – Happy Hollow Elementary School
  • FIRST Choice – There is only one round of FIRST Choice by AndyMark this year. It opens on Saturday, January 10 at Noon Eastern
  • FIRST Training – Just like the FTC notes above, we recommend coaches and students to “Dig Into” the variety of training opportunities available now to strengthen your team.
  • Red Alliance – Red Alliance is now supporting FRC teams in Indiana! This organization is dedicated to helping FIRST Robotics Competition teams by providing new or slightly used components, tools, and other essential items, all completely free. Teams only have to cover the cost of shipping. To keep this valuable service running smoothly, Red Alliance is seeking donations. If you have new or lightly used parts in good working condition that your team no longer needs, please consider contributing. Contact Tim.lawrence@theredalliance.net to donate and support the Red Alliance’s mission!
REBUILT Season
FRC Kickoff
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