FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) STEM Scale-Up Program

FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) STEM Scale-Up Program is sponsored by Iowa STEM Council. This program provides high-quality STEM education programs for Iowa youth. The goal is to provide 'seed' funding for new FTC teams in areas where teams do not currently exist.

FTC as a STEM Scale-Up Program | College of Engineering - The University of Iowa FTC as a STEM Scale-Up Program In January, 2026, it was announced FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) was a STEM Scale-Up Program through the Iowa STEM Council. The STEM Scale-Up Program provides high-quality STEM education programs for Iowa youth, either in-school or out-of-school. These programs include training for educators, for effective implementation.

The goal of the "FTC Scale-Up Program" is to provide "seed" funding for new teams in areas where teams do not currently exist. If you are a longtime FTC team, we ask for you not to apply for Scale-Up. Who is Eligible for the STEM Scale-Up Program?

Eligible educators include: public and private school teachers; youth organization leaders; informal education professionals; home school associations; licensed child care centers and others who deliver STEM education programming. Organizations must be located in Iowa. For more information, please consult the Iowa Dept.

of Education page including the STEM Scale-Up Menu Packet April 20, 2026: Awarded programs were notified. July/August, 2026: FTC Professional Development (one 3-day session is required for educators) For more information on how to apply, please visit the Educator page on the STEM Scale-Up website .

FTC as a STEM Scale-Up Program FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is a mid-level robotics program middle/intermediate and high school students, grades 7-12. Teams of students design, build and program a robot. The teams then compete with the robots against other teams.

We do not recommend this program for children under 10 years old. Receives Scale-Up "New Team" designation for the 2026-2027 season Beginner: Receives Scale-Up "New Team" designation for the 2027-2028 season Receives Scale-Up "New Team" designation for the 2027-2028 season Scale-Up awardees MUST complete a 3 day in-person Professional Development (PD) in the Summer, 2026.

The dates and locations are yet to be determined, but educators can choose which PD they can attend. Late April, 2026 - Prof. Development Registration Opens (Educators will receive a link to register) Through the Registration form, educators will be able to indicate: Which PD Session you prefer to attend AND which sessions you CANNOT attend. If you'll be wanting to attending with a colleague.

Participation in Google Group. Thurs. , May 7 (11:59pm CST) - Prof. Development Registration Closes Fri.

, May 22 - Prof. Development Confirmations will be announced via email. Organization's Tax Exempt Certificate Laptop with access to a web browser Safety glasses & closed-toe/closed-heel shoes Food and drink for lunch/snacks View the Goals, Expectations and Agenda of the Professional Development. Monthly zoom meetings will cover an array of topics throughout the season.

These calls are a network building opportunities for coaches to learn about a specific topic, ask questions, seek help and and learn more deeply about FTC. Dates of these Virtual Calls, all will be hosted at 7pm CST: Wednesday, Mar. 31, 2027 - for the April session Mentors must complete the FIRST Mentor Training - accessible through the FIRST Training.

Expectations from Educators Complete the in-person training, attend monthly virtual trainings, and complete the FIRST Mentor Training (asynchronous) training. Have two coaches/mentors per team. Each coach and mentor needs to complete a FIRST Background check.

Register with FIRST and FTC-Iowa. Attend meets and a league tournament, per rules in the Competition Manual. Ask for help when needed.

Implement FTC for a minimum of three (3) seasons. Local support consisting of a regional director, a network of Iowa-based coaches and volunteers.

Participant stipend, food and attendance cost for the 3-day Professional Development (~$630) Year 1 Covered materials: FIRST & FTC Iowa Registration Fees Robotics equipment: One starter kit from either GoBilda, REV or AndyMark; control & power bundle, surge protector, etc. Robot Storage & Transportation: robot carrying case, storage system.

Competition Related Items: Field perimeter, tiles, gaffers tape, bags, safety glasses, and season game elements. Year 2 Covered materials: FIRST & FTC Iowa Registration Fees Robotics equipment: Extra battery, extra motors, odometry pods, update driver controller Robot Customization: 3D printer & filament Competition Related Items: season game elements, safety glasses.

Year 3: Covered materials: FIRST & FTC Iowa Registration Fees Robotics equipment: Extra battery, replacement motor, odometry pods, robot camera, driver controller. Competition Related Items: season game elements, gaf tape & safety glasses The FTC program has been mapped to the Iowa Educational Standards (Sept.

2024) Computer Science Standards FTC as a Career & Technical Student Organization (CTSO) If the coach is a public-school teacher who is endorsed in Career & Technical Education (CTE), then the team can qualify to be a CTSO . CTSO vs. Scale-Up and Who Qualifies for Each Category of Learning Community For more information about FIRST as a CTSO, please visit the CTSO page .