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FTC


Round 2 - Waitlist Preferencing is now open!
📅 October 29 – November 4, 2026 ⏰ Opens: 12:00 PM (noon) | Closes: 12:00 PM (noon)
peggymaricle
1 day ago1 min read


Preparing for Your FTC Event: A Practical Guide
3:29 PM Competition day moves fast. Use this checklist covering technical rules, packing essentials, and event logistics to keep your team organized, focused, and ready to compete. 1. Rules & Technical Prep Review the Game Manual: Ensure everyone on your team thoroughly reads the BIOBUZZ Competition Manual. Check the official FTC Q&A forums regularly for recent rule updates, official clarifications, and game rulings. Run the Pre-Inspection Checklist: Walk through the official
peggymaricle
3 days ago2 min read


Last Night's FTC Program Call
Last night, FIRST Wisconsin Staff and Key Volunteers hosted an FTC Program Update Call to share important FTC information with coaches across the state. Attendance was very low, which is why we are writing this BLOG. We put significant time and effort into preparing these updates to keep all teams and coaches informed. Our staff and key volunteers also make themselves available to answer questions and support teams throughout the season. Out of more than 100 teams in Wisconsi

Jerry Krist
Oct 231 min read


FTC Qualifier "Showdown in Sheboygan"
The Showdown in Sheboygan FTC Qualifier at Sheboygan North High School, located at 2926 N. 10th St. We have created a Google Folder with the Judge’s Schedule (please note judging times have been updated), Concessions Menu, and maps linked in. These documents will be updated as needed; please check back on them prior to Friday in the event there are updates. We have 22 teams, and we have received 6 berths for teams to move on to state competition. Teams must enter through

Jerry Krist
Oct 222 min read


Celebrating Excellence: Congratulations to Peter Graven, 2026 Stemmy Individual Award Winner!
At FIRST Wisconsin, we are thrilled to celebrate one of our incredible community leaders. Peter Graven from the St. Francis School District has been honored with the 2026 Individual Stemmy Award! The Excellence in STEM Awards (The Stemmys) recognize those who passionately promote STEM awareness and elevate students' capabilities. Peter embodies the spirit of a FIRST mentor. He breaks down classroom walls to connect students with real-world challenges, guiding them through han
peggymaricle
Oct 161 min read


Nominate an incredible Wisconsin educator or school today for the 2027 Inspire the Future: FIRST® Recognition Program!
Across Wisconsin, our robotics teams thrive because of the tireless dedication of local teachers, mentors, and schools. This is our chance to ensure our amazing state STEM leaders get the spotlight they deserve. Why Your Nomination Matters Whether they are guiding students through FIRST LEGO League, FIRST Tech Challenge, or the FIRST Robotics Competition, Wisconsin educators go above and beyond every single day. Nominate an educator or school to help us honor their hard work!
peggymaricle
Oct 71 min read


October Program Webinar
Thursday October 22, 2026, 6:30PM Please join us for the October FTC Program update webinar, where we’ll provide a detailed overview of what teams can expect at upcoming competitions. We’ll cover important topics such as team roster requirements, invoicing procedures, judging expectations, event preparation, and other key information to help your team navigate the competition season with confidence. There will also be time to highlight additional program updates and answer co

Jerry Krist
Oct 71 min read


Calling all rookie FTC teams!
Are you looking for a fun, hands-on way to secure funding for your team while mastering robot programming? The FTC SIM Argosy Rookie Team Grant is officially live, offering a $1000 USD grant to eligible new teams across North America. This unique opportunity is funded through HCB and designed to reward your students' hard work. Instead of just writing an essay, your students will actively code their way to funding by solving interactive challenges. Here is everything you need
peggymaricle
Oct 72 min read


FIRST Wisconsin Grant Resources
Grants are a great way to help cover your team's expenses such as registration, parts, travel, and other costs. However, the Youth Advisory’s Council's Growth and Sustainability Committee recognized that many grants can be difficult to apply for. To support teams through the process, we have developed tutorial documents with instructions for three of the most common FIRST Robotics grants in Wisconsin. Wisconsin DPI Robotics League Participation Grant (Closes October 5, 2026)
Jeffery L
Oct 41 min read


FTC Qualifier "THUMBWARS"
PARTICIPANTS SCHEDULE VENUE MAP QUALIFICATION MATCHES CONSESSIONS PIT MAP PLAYOFFS RANKINGS INTERVIEW TIMES AWARDS LIVE STREAM

Jerry Krist
Oct 11 min read


FTC Qualifier "JAG-WIRE QUALIFER"
PARTICIPANTS SCHEDULE VENUE MAP QUALIFICATION MATCHES CONSESSIONS PIT MAP PLAYOFFS RANKINGS INTERVIEW TIMES AWARDS LIVE STREAM

Jerry Krist
Oct 11 min read


FTC Qualifier "WHITEWATER ROBORAGE"
PARTICIPANTS SCHEDULE VENUE MAP QUALIFICATION MATCHES CONSESSIONS PIT MAP PLAYOFFS RANKINGS INTERVIEW TIMES AWARDS LIVE STREAM

Jerry Krist
Oct 11 min read


FTC Round 2 Event Preferencing is Now Open!
Round 2 of FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Event Preferencing is officially live on the FIRST Wisconsin Website FTC Page! 📅 Important Dates Round 2 (Events January & after): Sep 30, 12:00 PM – Oct 7, 11:59 PM Wait List Sign Up Opens: Oct 14, 12:00 PM
peggymaricle
Sep 301 min read


SHOUT FTC Demo Opportunity!
Hey teams! We're looking for a few teams to come and demo their robots at SHOUT Robotics Competition 2026! SHOUT Robotics Competition is an FRC tournament where girls take the controls as teams compete in a full day of robotics action and awards, promoting a fun and supportive environment for girls to take their skills to the next level. Through this event, we hope to contribute to closing the gender gap in STEM and advancing inclusive team cultures. In conjunction with this

Jerry Krist
Sep 291 min read


FTC Volunteer Registration is Open!
Our upcoming FTC events can’t happen without amazing volunteers like you. Whether you want to judge, referee, or help behind the scenes, we have a spot for you. Ready to make a difference? Sign up today through your dashboard or see the volunteer page on the FIRST Wisconsin website!
peggymaricle
Sep 251 min read


FTC Round 1 Event Preferencing is CLOSING SOON!
Round 1 of FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Event Preferencing is CLOSING SOON on the FIRST Wisconsin Website FTC Page! 📅 Important Dates Round 1 (Events before January): Sep 12, 12:00 PM – Sep 22, 11:59 PM Round 2 (Events January & after): Sep 30, 12:00 PM – Oct 7, 11:59 PM Wait List Sign Up Opens: Oct 14, 12:00 PM
peggymaricle
Sep 211 min read


Getting Competition Ready in the FIRST Dashboard
2026-2027 Season — FIRST Wisconsin Team Guide FIRST has rolled out a refreshed FIRST Dashboard and a new FIRST Storefront for the 2026-2027 season, and the process for getting your team competition ready is different than it was last year. Plan to spend more time than usual on registration and training this season — the steps below walk you through exactly what needs to happen and where. 1. What's Changed This Season New FIRST Dashboard and FIRST Storefront Starting this seas
peggymaricle
Sep 174 min read


Job Opportunity: Argosy Foundation Seeking Program Assistant with FIRST Experience
The Argosy Foundation is hiring a full-time Program Assistant to manage its FIRST Robotics grant portfolio. They are specifically looking for candidates with direct FIRST experience as a participant, mentor, or volunteer. Key Details: Role: Program Assistant (FIRST Robotics Portfolio) Compensation: $50,000 starting salary + full benefits Location: Remote, with the ability to work from the Milwaukee, WI office as requested Travel: 2–3 overnight trips per year (mostly Febr
peggymaricle
Sep 171 min read


2027 FTC State Championship Advancement Spots
Showdown in Sheboygan (Sheboygan, WI) 5 Advancement spots Thumb Wars (New Berlin, WI) 4 Advancement spots Jag-Wire Qualifier (Green Bay, WI) 4 Advancement spots Whitewater RoboRage (Whitewater, WI) 3 Advancement spots Lakeshore Ignites (Reedsville, WI) 3 Advancement spots Madison Fish Fry (Sun Prairie, WI) 3 Advancement spots Battle of Brookfield (Brookfield, WI) 2 Advancement spots Skirmish of Brookfield (Brookfield, WI) 2 Advancement spots

Jerry Krist
Sep 161 min read


The Buzz is Real: Kickoff Slides and Survey! 🐝
What an un-bee-lievable start to the season! This past weekend, energy was buzzing across the entire state as teams gathered for multiple local kickoff events. Swarms of students, mentors, and volunteers came together to witness the official reveal of this year's game: BIOBUZZ. A massive shout-out to all our incredible event hosts and volunteers who helped our community cross-pollinate and kick things off with a bang! Kickoff Slide Deck Missed the live presentation, need thos
peggymaricle
Sep 161 min read
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