FIRST in Texas Partners with UIL (University Interscholastic League)

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The University Interscholastic League (UIL) has selected FIRST as one of two robotics partners to pilot a robotics program during the 2015-2016 school year. This is exciting news for students across Texas.

We now have the opportunity to bring FIRST robotics to millions of students across the state of Texas and celebrate robotics the same way we celebrate sports, music and other competitive extra-curricular activities.

You can watch a video of the announcement from FIRST in Texas Chair Ray Almgren.

A few important things to note:

• UIL has elected to pilot FIRST Tech Challenge and FIRST Robotics Competition, along with BEST Robotics.
• FIRST & BEST will operate independently of each other.
• The UIL pilot does not in ANY way change or impact the regular FIRST season. All Texas teams will be able to participate in FIRST programs and competitions the same way they have in the past.
• The robotics pilot for FIRST will include one state championship event on July 28th-30th, 2016 at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, TX. It will occur in conjunction with the Texas Robot Roundup; Criteria for participation in the UIL championship component of the event will be announced in the spring of 2016.

For more information and a detailed FAQ, please visit the UIL Robotics website.

Look for an opportunity to learn more in your area this spring:

• 3/9-3/12: FIRST Alamo Regional: Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center, San Antonio
• 3/23-3/26: FIRST Dallas Regional: Irving Convention Center
• 3/31-4/3: FIRST Hub City Regional: United Markets Arena, Lubbock
• 4/6-4/9: FIRST Lone Star Regional: George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston

For more information from FIRST in Texas, you can visit the FIRST in Texas UIL page or contact FIRST in Texas.