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How to Start an FLL Team

 TEAM SCHOLARSHIPS  •  FLL SEASON OVERVIEW
 
What is FLL®?
Minnesota FIRST® LEGO® League (MN FLL®) is part of an international program that includes more than 200,000 kids in 63 countries. It is a team-based, hands-on program that provides challenging and exciting learning opportunities for young people. MN FLL spurs innovation, develops teamwork, enhances communication skills, and promotes excitement in science and technology.
Visit the FIRST website for program details
 

 What is a Team?
 
FLL teams come in all shapes and sizes.  They form with school groups, 4H, neighborhood friends, scout troops, community education groups, homeschoolers, etc. Teams are defined as having 3 – 10 participants from ages 9 - 14*. Teams can be a mix of grades & ages. 
 
*"Team members must not exceed age 14 on January 1 of the year the Challenge is released.  For example, a student who turns 15 in May of 2012 would be eligible to compete in the Challenge released in August of 2012, whereas a child who turned 15 in December 2011 would not."
 
Forming a Team

Finding Participants and Coaches

  • Hold an informational meeting at your school or group in the spring or early September to gauge interest.
  • Talk to parents, your PTA/PTO, school administration, your school district, or an interested teacher.
  • Recruit coaches and/or co-coaches. Team coaches are generally parents or adults. Two coaches per team is recommended, however just one is required.
  • There are always interested kids, they just need a coach. No experience is necessary, no need to be an engineer, just the desire to learn, have fun, and work with the kids! 
How to Host an Info Meeting
 
 How much does it cost?
FIRST-YEAR TEAM (10 kids, $80/student)
LEGO® NXT or EV3 Robot & Mindstorms® Software - goes to LEGO  
(robots may be reused in subsequent years and only purchased once.)		 $435 (NXT)
$499 (EV3)
National team registration - goes to FIRST  $225
Field Setup kit (Mat and Mission Models) - goes to LEGO  $75
Regional Tournament Fee – supports High Tech Kids  $60
   
TOTAL: $795-859*
 
SECOND-YEAR TEAM (10 kids, $35/student)
National team registration - goes to FIRST  $225
Field Setup kit (Mat and Mission Models) - goes to LEGO   $75
Regional Tournament Fee – supports High Tech Kids  $60
TOTAL: $360*
 
Team Scholarships
We offer a very limited number of scholarships. Scholarships are one time only, and not renewable. Preference will be given to teams comprised of underrepresented youth, rural teams and/or all girl teams. 
 
 MN FLL Scholarship Information