Several FRC registration items open this week, and everything closes or comes due on November 17. Here is what to put on your calendar, plus funding to help cover the costs.
Key dates at a glance
- Oct 23: Second late registration opened.
- Oct 29: Award applications open.
- Oct 29: Additional in-district event registration also opens.
- Oct 30: FRC volunteer registration opens.
- Nov 17: Hard deadline. See below.
The hard deadline: November 17
Mark this date. On November 17, all of the following close or come due:
- Kit & Kickoff registration closes.
- Black Tote opt-out closes.
- All District event registration closes.
- Payment is due for initial event registration.
Please note: teams who do not select a Kickoff location or pay their MySite shipping charges by the deadline will be dropped from their events. Do not wait until the last week.
Need the details? Start with Round 2 Event Selection and Funding and 2027 Event Preferencing.
Choose your Kickoff location
Kickoff is January 9, 2027. Texas has local sites in San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, Pearland, The Woodlands, Plano, Houston, McAllen, Fort Worth, and Lubbock. Start times vary by site, so check each listing before you plan travel.
Browse every site on the FIRST Texas Kickoff events page, then select yours in your team's registration before the deadline. Learn more on the FIRST Robotics Competition Game and Season page.
Awards: applications open October 29
Award applications open on October 29. Here are the submitted awards and their deadlines from FIRST:
- Digital Animation Award: due January 12, 2027 at 11:59 PM ET. Any adult mentor can submit through the FIRST Dashboard. See the award details and the 2026 announcement.
- FIRST Leadership Award: due February 4, 2027 at 3:00 PM ET.
- Woodie Flowers Award: due February 4, 2027 at 3:00 PM ET.
- FIRST Impact Award: due February 11, 2027 at 3:00 PM ET.
Criteria, templates, and who can submit are in the FRC submitted awards library.
Volunteers: registration opens October 30
Events cannot run without volunteers. FRC volunteer registration opens on October 30, so please share this with parents, alumni, and mentors who want to help.
- Volunteer this season
- FIRST Texas FRC events calendar, where you can find an event near you
Footer Funds
Grants and fundraisers to help your team foot the bill.
Fabworks Sponsorship Program (FRC and FTC)
Fabworks supports FRC and FTC teams with credit, partner codes, manufacturing support, and promotion. Exact benefits are confirmed when your application is accepted, and a sponsorship lasts one year.
Needs: Open to any FRC or FTC team, with no location or mentor requirement listed. Fabworks reviews each application individually.
Apply: Fabworks Sponsorship Program
Kars4Kids Small Grant Program
Grants for nonprofits serving children through education, mentorship, and youth development. Approved grants are typically $5,000. Reviews are slow, often several months and up to a year, so apply early.
Needs: A U.S.-based, IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) with a central focus on children.
Apply: Kars4Kids Small Grant Program
Fundraiser: Panda Express
Host a fundraiser at your local Panda for a 20% giveback, or run a virtual fundraiser online for a 28% giveback at Panda locations nationwide. Panda provides promotional materials you can customize with your logo.
Needs: Check Panda's FAQ for eligibility and lead time before you pick a date.
Apply: Panda Express Fundraisers
If you have questions about any of this, reach out to your FIRST Texas contacts. We are happy to help.
Good luck, and happy building!
