News

FTC Mentors- If you have not already received this information from FIRST Inspires, below is an abbreviated version of what was sent out to all FIRST partners. We apologize if this is duplicating efforts, but we want to make sure that our FIRST Chesapeake teams are informed as quickly and as thoroughly as possible.

The FIRST^® Dashboard and FIRST^® Tech Challenge Storefront for registration and product purchases for the 2022-2023 POWERPLAY^SM presented by Raytheon Technologies season is scheduled to open May 19, 2022.

North America teams will be able to register and order parts starting May 19, but the REV Robotics Control Hubs are currently out of stock due to global supply chain issues. The Control Hub is the device which controls the robot, sending and receiving signals to sensors and motors. All efforts are being made to source missing components and we hope to have Control Hubs in stock in time for kickoff, September 10, 2022.

Rookie teams are most directly affected since veterans can reuse their Control Hubs. We realize that if Control Hubs are not available by the beginning of October, rookie teams may not be able to fully participate this season, especially in regions holding earlier competitions.

As a result, if Control Hubs are not available to ship by October 1, 2022, rookie teams that registered for this season through the FIRST Dashboard and are unable to compete due to lack of Control Hubs for their robots, will be able to request a voucher to apply their 2022-2023 season registration fee to the 2023-2024 season. Rookies who receive the voucher will not be able to compete in the 2022-2023 season and will have a $295 grant available to apply to the 2023-2024 season.

A notice and a link to receive updates is being posted in several locations to keep current and prospective teams informed of developments. Please refer to this document for more information - Control-Hub-Availability-Core-Messaging-05.18.2022.pdf.

We have our first announced FRC off-season competition! Blue Ridge Brawl will be Oct. 8th, hosted by Salem Spartan Robotics and Roanoke College. https://www.shsrobotics.us/brb/

If your team or organization is planning or definitely holding an off-season event, LET US KNOW! We'd love to help spread the word. Email us .

Worlds wrapped up, and we are so proud of all the FIRST Chesapeake teams that traveled to Houston to compete and represent our District April 21-23, 2022.

FIRST Chesapeake had an impressive showing and we want to recognize the achievements of individuals and teams. WAY TO GO!

FTC Dean's List Award Winner- Diana O. from FTC 10216 SpiderByte
FRC Dean's List Award Winner- Ethan B. from FRC 5338 RoboLoCo
Chairman's Award winner- FRC 1629 Garrett Coalition GaCO
World Champion Finalist- FRC 4099 The Falcons
Division Winners- FRC 4099 The Falcons and FRC 5804 TORCH
Division Semifinalist - FRC 1731 Fresta Valley Robotics Club
Division Quarterfinalist- FRC 401 Copperhead Robotics
4 of our 16 FIRST Chesapeake FRC teams competed in division playoffs
Highest Rookie Seed- FRC 8590 CAVBOTICS
Creativity Award- FRC 5804 TORCH
Innovation In Control Award- FRC 836 RoboBees

Patricia F. Mead, Ph.D., chair of the Engineering Department at Norfolk State University, was honored today with the Reaching for the Stars: Outstanding Women in STEM Award as part of the kickoff for the fourth annual Women in STEM celebration hosted by FIRST Chesapeake Robotics and sponsored by Leidos. FIRST Chesapeake recognized the work of Dr. Patricia Mead as a leading advocate for educational reform, with an emphasis on broadening participation for under-represented groups in STEM disciplines and educational assessment.

The award is the beginning of the FIRST Chesapeake Women in STEM months-long celebration, sponsored by Leidos, and in partnership with Dominion Energy and Canon Virginia.

Please click here for our full press release about this award.