Robotics Challenge Scholarship
NFPA offers one merit-based scholarship, for up to $30,000 (up to $7,500 per year for four years), to a high school senior who participates as part of a FIRST® Robotics, National Robotics League, or VEX Robotics Competition Team and uses fluid power in their robot. The money awarded is used to study engineering at any accredited technical college or university in the United States.
The applicant does not have to pursue a dedicated fluid power degree program but must enroll in a relevant program where fluid power is taught. Students enrolled in the following degree programs are welcome to apply (this list is not exhaustive):
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agricultural Systems Technology
- Automation Robotics, Engineering Technology
- Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering
- CNC Engineering Technician Certificate
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Electro-Mechanical Engineering
- Engineering Design and Mechatronics
- Engineering Technology
- Fluid Power Technology
- Hydraulic Engineering Technician
- Industrial Engineering
- Industrial Maintenance Technician
- Industrial Technology
- Manufacturing Equipment Technician Certificate
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Mechatronics Certificate
- Pneumatic Engineering Technician
The goal of the NFPA Robotics Challenge Scholarship is to bring an awareness of fluid power options in robotics to high school students and to stimulate increased use of fluid power products in these competitions.
The 2023 NFPA Robotics Challenge Scholarship is now open!
Applications are due on May 1, 2023 (11:59 PM - Central Standard Time).
Follow the link below for more information on eligibility and applying.
Please contact Haley Nemeth at hnemeth@nfpa.com with any questions.
Meet our 2022 Winner
We are happy to announce that the winner of the NFPA Robotics Challenge scholarship is Colton Seitz of Collierville, Tennessee. Colton will be pursuing a degree at the University of Alabama.
To read more about Colton Seitz, click here!
Volunteer professional mentors lend their time and talents to guide each team through these competitions to help students gain practical knowledge of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) – all essential skills for manufacturing. Learn more about these programs and how to become a mentor.
Are you an industry member who wants to be a part of choosing the next winner? Contact the Workforce Team at workforce@nfpa.com.
Funding for the Robotics Challenge Scholarship comes, in part, from donors to the Tom Wanke Legacy Fund. Please consider making a donation.
Get a Head Start on Your Career in Fluid Power
There are many rewarding careers available right now in the fluid power industry. Students can submit resumes, learn about fluid power companies and review position descriptions, salaries, markets and other employment information. Check it out!
