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.

Astronauts like Mae Jemison, Leland Melvin, Victor Glover, Stephanie Wilson, and Robert Curbeam all used strong engineering skills on missions in space. They operated robotic arms, helped assemble the space station, and solved tough technical problems, just like FRC teams brainstorm, prototype, and debug their designs under pressure. When our students see these leaders, it sends a clear message: the ideas you test on your robot today can lead to real missions above Earth tomorrow.

As NASA prepares for Artemis missions to the moon and future trips to Mars, Black engineers in astronaut corps will keep playing key roles, just as Black students and mentors are driving innovation on FRC teams right now. Black History month is the perfect time to highlight these connections, celebrate the impact of Black innovators, and invite more students to become builders, coders, and leaders. 

We are thrilled to welcome MHI as a our newest "Leader In Technology Partner!" Here's what they shared with us about their commitment:

"FIRST Robotics teams embody the innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence our industry values. MHI proudly sponsors FIRST NC at both the state and team levels because building the future workforce starts with inspiring students early and ensuring every team has the resources to succeed. When we invest in these teams, we're investing in the engineers and innovators who will shape the future of supply chain and material handling." ~Pahola Capellan, Workforce Development Manager.

Thanks for the overall generous support, from judges at events to team sponsorships to operational support!

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Thank a Mentor Today!

January is Mentoring Month, a time to celebrate the incredible individuals who give their time, energy, and heart to guiding our FRC students. Mentors are the steady hands and listening ears behind every robot, design, and breakthrough moment. They model perseverance, reframe failure as growth, and remind students that confidence is built one challenge at a time.

To all our mentors - past, present, and future - THANK YOU for inspiring curiosity, fueling creativity, and helping North Carolina’s young innovators see what’s possible. You don’t just build robots; you help build futures.

Check out the game video for the new season of Rebuilt! This will be an exciting and interesting game. We are looking forward to watching how the 90 teams across North Carolina tackle the design and strategy challenges.

Ready to Volunteer?

Calling all volunteers! Our tireless Volunteer Coordinators are hard at work making assignments and getting everyone on board for our seven events. Check out the full list of events here. Click on any of the events below to register. Our promise to volunteers: We will clothe you (you get a great t-shirt); we will feed you (NC is known for feeding our volunteers really well); and we guarantee to entertain you (you will love watching the teams and robots in action)!

3/6/26-3/8/26 - Cabarrus County District Event
3/6/26-3/8/26 - Wake County #1 District Event

3/13/26-3/15/26 - UNC Asheville District Event

3/20/26-3/22/26 - Elon University District Event
3/20/26-3/22/26 - Wake County #2 District Event

3/27/26-3/29/26 - UNC Pembroke District Event

4/9/26-4/12/26 - State Championship

Join the fun and register today!

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 #FRCRebuilt and #FIRSTNC 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, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation, Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools Foundation, The Accelerated Training Program (T-ATP), Dottie Rose Foundation, and Digi-Bridge. 

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