The Bayou Regional FIRST Robotics Competition - Kenner LA

Created by First Louisiana-Mississippi

Creating a Culture in which STEM is Celebrated!

For the 17th season in Louisiana, the Bayou Regional FIRST Robotics Competition will be the home event for Louisiana FIRST Robotics Competition teams!

Held at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner, Louisiana annually in the Spring, this competitive robotics event brings together 50+ teams from across the US and internationally, in a celebration of STEM achievement.

Who Runs the Event?

With only one part-time employee in the two states, "The Bayou" competition is almost exclusively volunteer managed and is funded by the support of grants, local companies, community organizations, and individual donors. These donations are managed locally through our 501C3, .

Where does my donation go?

With advanced audio-visual technology and over 175 volunteers who are given meals and snacks throughout the day, The Bayou costs an approximately $175,000.00. Your donations will help support all of these efforts!

What happens if you raise more than you need?

Every dollar that is not spent on the Bayou event in the current season can be used for program support throughout the year, team support, and towards the sustainability of our teams and future Bayou events.

What is an appropriate donation amount?

Any amount that you are willing to give is graciously accepted and appreciated! Donations of $25 or more are generally the most popular among individuals. If you are a company or organization, sponsorships are currently available and can be customized to your company's priorities. Please contact carthurs@firstinspires.org.

Already a sponsor? Make your donation through Kindest and we will contact you about your sponsorship level and what's included.

Who are the current sponsors?

$50,000.00 Presenting Sponsor - Entergy

How can I volunteer?

TEAM MENTORS: Become a team mentor and work side by side with team members and the robots! Mentors and Coaches work together with teams to guide and support the students in learning to design, build and program their robot. Commonly needed skillsets include mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, Java/C++ Coding, and CAD, among other technical skills. Not a tech person? No problem! Teams need assistance with fundraising, grant writing, project management, awards presentations, team meals, travel and logistics, and administrative tasks like keeping up with deadlines and procuring parts. We ask that the students work side by side and learn any skill that a mentor can provide. Sign up to be a team mentor in our Mentor Network!

EVENT VOLUNTEERS: While our main fundraising need is for the Bayou Regional, it's not the only event in the year or the only program we provide! FIRST Louisiana-Mississippi has K-12 events throughout the year. You can be a skilled/trained volunteer, like a referee, robot inspector or judge, or you can sign up for a position that doesn't need any prep and just come and have fun with us at the event! These positions include crowd control, team queuing, field reset and more. Volunteers must be 13 years or older and must pass a background check and youth protection.

Contact carthurs@firstinspires.org to learn what spots are available near you!

First Louisiana-Mississippi is a tax-exempt public charity (federal tax ID # 83-0392075). All contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law. No goods or services were provided in exchange for your generous financial donation.

$20 One-Time

Big Bayou Shout-Out! Send a shout-out to your team, your child, your friend or the event! We'll put your message on the big screen! (One sentence up to 10 words. All messages will be screened for appropriate content. No refunds if inappropriate)

$50 One-Time

Digital Shout Out Send your student or your team a digital message in our online program book. Include a photo or vide and we may also feature your message on social media! (Messages will be screened for appropriate content. No refunds if banned)

$100 One-Time

FIRST Chair: Sponsor a volunteer chair at the Bayou Regional! Volunteers spend from 4 to 12 hours per event day supporting our students and making sure our event is fun, safe and smooth. Help us thank them with meals and tokens of appreciation!

$250 One-Time

FIRST Chair - On Screen! Have you ever noticed the Gatorade logo on the chairs in the sidelines of a basketball game? You can get noticed too! Sponsor a volunteer chair that shows on the live stream of the Bayou Regional!

$500 One-Time

Bot Banner Sponsor Provide your banner w/a QR code to your company website or share a banner message with teams! Your banner will be prominently displayed for teams, sponsors, general pubic and volunteers. (Pls no politics) (Content will be screened)

$1,000 One-Time

Sponsor a Robot Row! Sponsor a Row in the robot pits! Your company or name will become the name of an aisle. Teams, sponsors, volunteers and general public will use that name to find teams. Provide your logo and we'll take care of the rest!