FIRST North Carolina

As many of you know, I'm a big space geek. I love anything to do with the exploration of the cosmos. With the upcoming launch of Artemis II and a return to the moon, we thought we would connect FIRST to NASA to Black History Month.

Black astronauts with engineering and robotics skills have changed how we explore space, and their journeys connect powerfully to what students do in the FIRST Robotics Competition program. Their success shows that the same problem-solving, coding, and teamwork used to build FRC robots are the skills needed to design real spacecraft and keep astronauts safe in space.

Kickoff is tomorrow!

The excitement is building! The 2026 FIRST Robotics Competition season, Rebuilt - sponsored by Haas, launches this weekend. On Saturday, January 10, thousands of students, mentors, and volunteers around the world will tune in for the official Kickoff broadcast and the unveiling of this year's intriguing new game challenge.

For the FIRST NC community, this moment marks more than the start of another robotics season. It's a testiment to the ingenuity, teamwork, and the power of hands-on STEM learning. Each year, Kickoff starts an intense two months of designing, problem-solving, and collaboration as high school students work together to bring their unique ideas to life.

Why does Kickoff matter?
• It reveals the engineering challenge that drives the entire season.
• It connects thousands of student innovators and mentors
worldwide.
• It sparks the spirit of curiosity, creativity, and perseverance.

From classrooms to community centers, from North Carolina to teams across the globe, Kickoff reminds us that innovation happens when people come together to learn, imagine, and build a better tomorrow.

The Rebuilt season is about more than robots. It's about rebuilding connections, confidence, and the future itself. Follow the excitement online using and as we launch into another season of fun and robots!

Thanks to each and every one of you for voting for FIRST NC as the Honeywell/Panthers Community Innovation Champion! We were honored to receive the award at the Carolina Panthers' final home game.

It was also humbling to stand beside the other groups doing such great work with youth in Charlotte and across North Carolina. Please think about supporting these terrific organizations: Carolina Youth Coalition Mecklenburg Library Foundation, -Meckenburg Schools Foundation, Accelerated Training Program, Rose Foundation, and -Bridge.

Thanks for supporting programs that help build a stronger future for our students!

Help us take the field at the Carolina Panthers final home game as the Community Innovation Award Champion, presented by Honeywell. Voting ends December 22.

Vote for "FIRST Robotics North Carolina" then share this post in your stories and group chats to keep the votes coming.

Vote here:

Carolina Panthers The official website of the Carolina Panthers with access to tickets, schedules, news, videos, photos, statistics and more.

Help us get the last few tools and pieces of equipment for MMS 2.0. Donate here: https://www.firstnorthcarolina.org/donate-mms20
THANKS!

Donate today - https://www.firstnorthcarolina.org/donate-mms20

Have you voted yet? Honeywell is honoring an organization for its innovative spirit and use of technology to drive meaningful change in the community.

Voting is now open through December 22 to select the Community Innovation Award Champion.

Cast your vote today! And share this with your friends and colleagues! https://www.panthers.com/community/honeywell-innovators-award?blm_aid=0

North Carolina Technology Association
FIRST Robotics

Less than one day remains in the FIRST NC Fall Auction! Every bid unlocks opportunity for local robotics students.

• Snag exclusive gifts, from behind-the-scenes tours to epic adventures and unique memorabilia.

• $40 lets a student join a life-changing robotics team—now that’s a holiday gift with purpose!

• Win a past LEGO kit to inspire a young builder, while your support fuels an NC high school team.

Don’t wait! Auction ends at midnight tonight—bid, share, and make a real impact before time runs out.

https://virtualauction.bid/FIRSTNC2025FallAuction

Less than 48 hours to snag awesome auction deals and power up our robotics teams!

Your bid can launch a high school student into the 2026 Rebuilt season. And for just $40, you’ll help a future leader get in the game.

Extra treat: Score a past LEGO kit for a budding builder! You win, they win, everybody wins!

Hurry, time’s almost up! Ready, set, BID or DONATE!

https://virtualauction.bid/FIRSTNC2025FallAuction