FIRST in Texas has gone through major changes this season. It is now under entirely new management - Skillpoint Alliance based in Austin, Texas. Skillpoint has been a longtime FLL Affiliate Partner and Central Texas FTC event manager, however, they have limited experience with FRC. The transition to a new FiT manager less experienced with FRC is part of the reason the granting process is going much more slowly this year. Down the road, the process should hopefully go far more efficiently and we'll reap a variety of benefits from this new partnership. For now, I know it's certainly frustrating for teams.
Another issue faced this year with regard to granting money is that the Texas Workforce Commission is being more assertive about prioritizing money going to teams that meet certain characteristics (regardless of whether they are actual indicators of a team's financial need). They are targeting teams whose members:
- are in 9th through 12th grade ONLY
- from economically disadvantaged families
- are enrolled in schools on military bases
- have disabilities
- are home schooled
- are from traditionally underserved populations (females, minorities, and from rural areas)
Once FiT has granted funding to as many teams as possible who match some of those characteristics, they will then be extending grant money to other teams who have applied. This is further slowing things down and contributing to a less than ideal situation for many teams.
Additionally, there are less Texas Workforce Commission funds to go around this year. Veteran teams may be granted between $2,500 to $3,000. Rookies may be granted between $6,000 and $7,000. There are a little over 50 veteran FRC grants (compared to 80+ last year) and around 18 grants for new FRC teams. Additionally, FiT will likely be granting only half of the registration funds to cover teams Championship registration costs, though that is still being finalized.
For your reference: Attached is an official FIRST in Texas document regarding Texas Workforce Commission Grants that details much of the above information.