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. 

About the STEM Scale-Up Program

For more information, please consult the Iowa Dept. of Education page including the STEM Scale-Up Menu Packet

Timeline:

• Tuesday, January 27, 2026: Applications Open
• Monday, February 9, 2026 at 3:30pm: FTC Informational Webinar
• Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 3:30pm: FTC Informational Webinar
• March 1-7, 2026: FTC Open Houses (tbd)
• Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 4:59pm Central: Applications Close
• Around April 20, 2026: Awarded programs will be notified.

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.

Map of FTC Support

Iowa Standards Mapping

The FTC program has been mapped to the Iowa Educational Standards (Sept. 2024)

• Science Standards
• Math Standards
• Computer Science Standards
• CTE Standards

Educator Training

In-person (required)

•  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.
  • Attendance is mandatory.
  • Contact hours: 20 hours
  • View the Goals, Expectations and Agenda of the Professional Development.

Virtual (required)

• 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.
• Pre-registration and participation in the the monthly calls is required.

Asynchronous (online)

•  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.

What's Included

• 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

Other information

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. 

For more information about FIRST as a CTSO, please visit the CTSO page.