top of page


IT'S GRANT SEASON!
FIRST Wisconsin is dedicated to ensuring students statewide can access its programs. Local and national grants are available to support new and returning FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) and FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) teams. Grant information is available on the FIRST Wisconsin website under each program. These grants help cover startup costs, sustain teams, and expand access for students from underrepresented or underserved communities.

Jerry Krist
2 days ago1 min read


FIRST Coaches: Support Research on the Impact of Youth Robotics Programs
You are invited to participate in this research study as part of a dissertation project. The purpose of this study is to gather information and perspectives related to youth robotics programs. Your participation is voluntary, and you may choose to stop participating at any time without penalty or consequence. You can find out the full information about this study here. You are the ideal audience for this survey because of your direct experience, involvement, and firsthand kno
peggymaricle
3 days ago1 min read


DPI Robotics League Participation Grant Application Now Open!
Eligible public schools, 2R and 2X charter schools, private schools, and home-based educational programs may apply for up to $6,000 to support participation in robotics competitions. To qualify, teams must consist only of students in grades 6-12. Eligible expenses are limited to required fees, required kits, and required supplies to participate in a robotics competition; travel expenses to robotics competition for eligible team members and their mentor only; and a stipend fo
peggymaricle
6 days ago1 min read


Step into the world of FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics at the Crawford County Fair in Gays Mills, WI this Friday afternoon and Saturday!
Students will especially enjoy the interactive experiences, from adjusting robot components to observing live demonstrations in action. You will meet mentors, volunteers, and fellow students who are passionate about STEM. With fun, hands-on activities, guidance from experienced mentors, and the chance to explore real robotics challenges, this event is a perfect way for students to dive into STEM. This FTC showcase invites you to learn, experiment, and have fun. Stop by our b
peggymaricle
Aug 271 min read


September FRC Program Call
FRC Coaches, mentors, student leaders, volunteers and supporters. Don't miss this opportunity to stay up to date with the latest information about the upcoming build and competition season. Please click on the button below to register for this call. When you sign up it will let you save the event on your calendar and it will send you a personal link to join our call.

Jerry Krist
Aug 271 min read


FTC Competition Safety Glasses
As we prepare for the 2026–2027 FIRST Tech Challenge season, we want to clarify the FIRST Wisconsin FTC safety glasses policy. We are adopting the policy FIRST implemented at the Championships this past April. At FTC events this season, you will see a version of a sign stating, “Activities in this area MAY require safety glasses.” Safety glasses must be worn by competitors and volunteers at practice fields, competition fields, and near power tools or active robots. They are n

Jerry Krist
Aug 261 min read


Robotics and Community Programs Lead - Job at Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE)
Hey FIRST Wisconsin Community! The Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) is hiring a full-time Robotics and Community Programs Lead at their downtown Milwaukee STEM Center. This is a great opportunity for FIRST alumni, experienced coaches/mentors, or key event volunteers looking to turn their passion for robotics into a full-time profession. The Role at a Glance: Lead the Milwaukee Metro FTC League: Manage the local FTC leagues, support regional events, and serve as the main
peggymaricle
Aug 211 min read


BIOBUZZ Kickoff is coming soon! 🐝
Sign up today to secure your spot at one of our Kickoff events, where you'll get the inside scoop on all things BIOBUZZTM, network with teams in your area, and explore the new season and field. Click here to view the full schedule and reserve your place: BIOBUZZ KICKOFF Events Join us and let’s make this BIOBUZZ season the best one yet! 🐝✨
peggymaricle
Aug 201 min read



Jerry Krist
Aug 180 min read


FIRST Tech Challenge Program Town Hall
Thursday September 10, 2026 6:30 pm Tune in for information about the 2026/27 FTC Season

Jerry Krist
Aug 181 min read


Congratulations to Our 2026 Clarios Scholarship Winners!
Clarios and FIRST Wisconsin have officially announced the recipients of the 2026 Alumni Scholarships! Congratulations goes out to Emilie Fuhr and Alexander Fleming for earning this prestigious honor to support their bright futures in STEM. Meet the 2026 Scholars Emilie Fuhr (UW-Platteville): An alumna of Charger Robotics Team 537, Emilie is a senior Mechanical Engineering student and a Battery Quality Assurance Lab Intern at Clarios, where she focuses on automating and optimi
peggymaricle
Aug 181 min read


Reminder! DonorsChoose Funding Still Available!
Limited funding remains for eligible FIRST-related DonorsChoose projects. Projects will be reviewed and funding allocated as they are received. Educators should submit their classroom project requests before September 30, 2026, or before the money runs out.
peggymaricle
Aug 101 min read


Step Up and Host! Help Us Shape the 2026 BIOBUZZ™ Season Kickoff
The countdown to the 2026–2027 FIRST Tech Challenge season has begun. We are gearing up for launch on September 12th, 2026. This season features the BIOBUZZ™ game presented by RTX. Kickoff events are vital community-building opportunities. Local teams gather to celebrate the live game reveal. They stream the broadcast and break down the challenge. We need more teams to host a kickoff! Current Kickoff Locations We have four hosts confirmed across Wisconsin: Lakeshore Robotics
peggymaricle
Aug 51 min read


HELP WANTED! FTC State Volunteer Coordinator!
The FIRST Wisconsin FTC State Championship will take place February 19th and 20th 2027 at the Oshkosh Arena in Oshkosh Wisconsin. We are now actively recruiting a Volunteer Coordinator for this event. The Volunteer Coordinator plays a key leadership role in ensuring a successful, welcoming, and well-staffed FIRST event by recruiting, assigning, and supporting volunteers before and during the event. Working closely with the Program Delivery Partner, Tournament/Event Director

Jerry Krist
Jul 291 min read


Welcome Peggy Maricle to FIRST Wisconsin as Our New Administrative Business Coordinator
Behind every great student experience is a strong network of people who make the details work. Questions get answered. Volunteers receive clear information. Partners feel connected to the mission. Teams can focus on learning, building, coding, leading, and competing because someone is helping keep the moving parts aligned. That is why FIRST Wisconsin is excited to welcome Peggy Maricle as our new Administrative Business Coordinator. Peggy joins the team in a role that touches

Jerry Krist
Jul 272 min read


Level up your FLL Programming Skills
FTC Team 13201 Hazmat still has room at their two-day camp in Brookfield Wisconsin. FIRST Wisconsin is sharing this information on behalf of Team 13201, which is solely responsible for the content and operation of this event. Please direct all questions and feedback to teamhazmat13201@gmail.com.

Jerry Krist
Jul 231 min read


FTC Dashboard is OPEN!
Hello coaches and admins. The FIRST Dashboard is now open for "Intent to Return" and FTC registration. If you have not used the dashboard this year, you will notice some interface changes. Please access the portal and set up your team’s Financial Guarantor, the person or organization responsible for paying your team’s registration fees. You will need to set up a Financial Guarantor if your team plans to pay by purchase order (PO), claim tax exemption, or have a sponsoring org

Jerry Krist
Jul 222 min read


Meet your Wisconsin FIRST LEGO League Key Volunteers
As we count down to this year's FLL Founders Game, BIOGLOW™, releasing August 4, 2026, we would like to introduce you to our FLL "Brain Trust" Starting off with Craig Peterman: FLL Program Delivery Partner for Wisconsin, BadgerBots Board Member. Wisconsin Region Head Judge Advisors, Brian Farrell and Brian Hicks. Wisconsin Region Head Referees, J. Church and Allison Conrad. You can contact each and every one of your state Key Volunteers using his email link. FLLteams@badge

Jerry Krist
Jul 221 min read


FIRST Wisconsin State Update Call
Informational call about the upcoming FLL, FTC and FRC Seasons

Jerry Krist
Jul 201 min read


Opportunities for KEY Volunteers
A successful event depends on dedicated volunteers, and FIRST Wisconsin is seeking individuals interested in serving in KEY Volunteer roles for the upcoming 2026/27 FTC and FRC season. These critical roles require volunteers who can put the event first, serve teams fairly, and meet role-specific expectations, including avoiding conflicts of interest and completing any required training or skill preparation. FIRST Wisconsin is seeking a State-Level Volunteer Coordinator for th

Jerry Krist
Jul 151 min read
bottom of page
