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
  • Informational Webinar (Recording from Feb. 10, 2026)
• Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 4:59pm Central: Applications Close
• Around April 20, 2026: Awarded programs will be 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.

"Map" of FTC Support

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.
  • Timeline:
    • Mon., April 20 - 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.
  • Required to bring items:
    • 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
  • 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

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

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.