Looking for current FIRST Chesapeake news, information and announcements? 

Check our FIRST Family Blog at  https://www.firstchesapeake.org/news/first-family-blog/

Some recent topics:

• Current FRC and FTC Grants Available
• Alumni News and Announcements
• FTC Workshop Registration Open
• Warehouse Naming Contest Winner
• New FIRST Chesapeake Off-Season Scrimmage Announced
   

Volunteer Open House and 

Pre Off-Season Sorta  FRC Scrimmage

Date: September 17th - 10am to 3:00pm

Where: FIRST Chesapeake Command Central, Mechanicsville, VA

Open to:  Sponsors,  Volunteers,  Friends and Families

What: You can learn about volunteering opportunities and the 2016-17 competition season, tour the facility, watch a FIRST Robotics Competition scrimmage!!

Click here for the invitation and to rsvp

Would your team like to be a part of the scrimmage? Click here for more information.

 

Don't forget!!! All teams need to log in NOW to complete the YPP process  (expires after two years, and only 33.8% out of teams have two coaches that have passed YPP).

Be ready to register for your first event on  9/22/16 . 

Expect a call from your director if you have not completed screening.

Here is a copy to the "Dean's Homework" page:  http://www.firstinspires.org/deans-homework

When you visit that page, you will find most of what you need to make a request of support including a  link to the text of the bill, some  background on the bill,  how to find your particular representatives, and the names of senators and  representatives who are already cosponsoring. You can also see Dean discussing the assignment on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEZqXLu54E0. In Virginia, our U.S. Senators are  Mark Warner and  Tim Kaine.

If you find the idea of making a request of a Congressperson a little daunting, please remember that they represent you, even if you are too young to vote yet. If you have questions or would like further guidance on how to go about making this request or how to approach political advocacy, Blue Cheese Robotics has been doing a lot of work in this area and would be happy to help. You can reach them at  bluecheeserobotics@gmail.com.

After you have made the request of your member of Congress, please make sure that you report it on the Homework participation form:

http://www.firstinspires.org/deans-homework-participation-form. If you have a photo to share please consider using social media to #makeitloud and tag @FIRSTweets and @Virginia FIRST if you are using Twitter. You can also use #DeansHomework2016.

Virginia FIRST gratefully acknowledges a grant of $10,000 from Mazda Foundation (USA), Inc. These funds will support Virginia FIRST efforts to grow a progression of science and technology based programs for under-resourced schools and communities. These programs prepare youth for success by developing science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) and life skills.

"Mazda Foundation is proud to support VirginiaFIRST to help more students in under-resourced communities access STEM education programming. Skills learned from participation in these enrichment programs will set them apart as they enter tomorrow's workforce," said Rob Sheets, Plant General Manager of Mazda's Remanufacturing Facility, located in Chesterfield County, VA. "In less than 10 years, technology-based jobs will outpace non-technology employment by more than 2 to 1 in Virginia. We are pleased to be a part of building tomorrow's technology leaders."

Join the Alumni Association today:   https://virginiafirst.formstack.com/forms/first_chesapeake_alumni_signup

  ~ jmiller@virginiafirst.org   ~     Follow us on Facebook ~

When did you participate in FIRST programs?

 

The first time I participated in FIRST was in the 10th grade. I was on Team 2998 at Thomas Jefferson High School in Richmond.

 

What are you doing now?

 

I am currently enrolled at Rose Hulman Institute of Technology (Terre Haute, IN) pursuing a civil engineering degree.

 

Did FIRST help lead you on your chosen path? Can you please tell us how FIRST impacted you in a positive way?

 

FIRST was my introduction into the world of STEM. I didn't know what it meant to be an engineer or how math and science could be used in a way that wasn't teaching. Being a part of a FIRST robotics team showed me what I was capable of and where I should go for a career. It has also allowed me to work with and learn from some really smart people. It further inspired me to encourage other girls to pursue STEM careers as well. FIRST taught me how to critically think, share ideas and not be afraid of giving my input. It has helped me for life in STEM and in general.

NREIP/SEAP 2017 Summer Intern Applications - Open 22 August- 30 November 2016

 

The application period for both the 2017 college level Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program (NREIP) and the 2017 high school level Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) is 22 August - 30 November 2016.

 

These programs provide an opportunity for students to participate in research at a Department of Navy (DoN) laboratory during the summer.  NREIP provides competitively selected research internships for 475 college students (400 undergraduate students and 75 graduate students) each year and SEAP provides 265 competitively selected research internships each year.

 

SEAP is open to high school students.  It pays $3,300 for new students and $3,800 for returning students for the 8-week summer internship.  More information and details about eligibility can be found at  http://seap.asee.org/ .

 

NREIP is a 10-week internship open to both undergraduate and graduate students.  The stipend levels for NREIP are:

.Level 1 ($5,400): 31 - 60 credit hours.

.Level 2 ($8,100): 61 or greater credit hours

.Level 3 ($10,800): Proof of enrollment in graduate school

More information and details about eligibility can be found at  http://nreip.asee.org/ .

 

Applications must be complete, including all supporting documentation, no later than 30 November at 5:30 p.m. EST. 

  Virginia FIRST is grateful for the donation from Clifford Barcliff and matching donation from  VERITAS, that funded the summer internship. Thank you for your continuing dedication to young people!

Bold, brave, adventurous souls to accompany me on an exciting voyage.

• Final destination? HOME.
• First few stops? Uncertain, but probably off the maps and charts.
• Length of journey? Unknown.
• Hazards and dangers? Many.
• Cost to you? Your time, money and maybe your life itself.
• Rewards? God alone knows, but God alone decides.
• Opportunity? The one of a lifetime!

Fundraising that's easy and costs you nothing! 

Just use the Kroger Plus card you already have, and update your Community Rewards setting.

When prompted to select a charitable organization,  please select   

Virginia

FIRST

!

Funds raised through this program will be earmarked for emergency team support. The more who sign up, the more teams we can help. Let's make this huge!!