2016 FLL SEASON COSTS
Rookie Teams typically spend between ~$1200 and returning teams ~$800. Overview of items that can be purchased through FIRST.
| What | Amount | Why | Who |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual FIRST Team registration | $225 | Support FIRST HQ and overall FLL program | FIRST |
| Annual NorCal Registration | $250 | $85 for Qualifier Tournament (QT) registration and $165 for NorCal regional support and NorCalFLL program staff | Playing At Learning - Instructions |
| Annual Challenge Kit (aka Field Setup Kit) | $75 plus ~$15 tax/shipping | Game field kit includes 4’x8′ plasticized mat and all of the LEGO elements to build all of the missions for the annual robot game. Each team may purchase exactly 1 but only after paying the FIRST team registration and having 2 screened coaches. The “Purchase Materials” link shows up on the Team Registration on the Team Dashboard. | LEGO Education. Can order only after you register a team with FIRST |
| Annual Project Materials | varies $25 to $100+ | Estimated cost for materials needed for the team’s project and presentation. This can vary wildly depending on the team. | various local resources as needed - could be donated |
| Annual NorCal Championship Tournament (CT) * | $275 | Between 20% and 30% of all teams typically advance to one of 4 NorCal Championship tournaments. NorCal is seeking Championship sponsors to reduce this cost to teams | Playing At Learning (only if team advances from Qualifier Tournament) |
| First year only: LEGO EV3 Mindstorms kit | $439 plus ~$85 in tax/shipping | Any version of LEGO Mindstorms is allowed in FLL but if you don’t have one, you should get the most up to date one (EV3) | LEGO Education for Education Version. Many sources for retail version. |
| First year only: Wood Challenge table and Metal Sawhorses | $0 to $120 | Instructions. The cost will depend on the materials used but you should buy high quality (for example, use furniture grade plywood for base) lumber to assemble. Many teams have luck getting the supplies donated | local hardware store - could be donated |
| First year only: Computer. Laptop PC or Mac or iPad or Android tablet | varies $200 or more | Each team will need access to a computer – either a laptop or tablet. This will be used for programming the robot and possibly to help with the team’s project. | local or internet - could be donated |
| Team Tshirts & Snacks | varies $100 or more | Each team typically makes a custom Tshirt to highlight any sponsors as well as show off their team spirit. In addition, most teams have snacks/food at most meetings. | local - could be donated |
* Note that advancement from a Qualifier to Championship tournament is based on the FLL Champions’ award criteria defined by FIRST)
We typically have limited need-based grant money for teams between June and early September. Most if not all of our support is targeted to under-served communities with demonstrated financial need. Available grants