WPAFB STEM Outreach

What is the FIRST® Leadership Award?

The FIRST Leadership Award recognizes the dedication and individual contributions of outstanding secondary school students participating on FIRST Tech Challenge or FIRST Robotics Competition teams. Students in 10th or 11th grade are eligible to be nominated by their team for the FIRST Leadership Award for excelling in areas such as leadership, entrepreneurship, and dedication to advancing the mission of FIRST within their communities. 

There are three (3) “categories” of FIRST Leadership Award students:

1. FIRST Leadership Award Semi-finalists – comprised of the two (2) students in their 10th or 11th grade school year* nominated by each team.  
2. FIRST Leadership Award Finalists – comprised of the students (2, 3, or 4, depending on the region) selected at each State/Regions Championship.
3. FIRST Leadership Award Winners – comprised of the ten (10) FIRST Robotics Competition and ten (10) FIRST Tech Challenge students selected from the applicable FIRST Leadership Award Finalists at the FIRST Championship.

The students who earn FIRST Leadership Award status as a Semi-finalists, Finalist or Winner, are great examples of student leaders who have led their teams and communities to increased awareness for FIRST and its mission. It is the goal of FIRST that these individuals will continue, post-award, as great leaders, student alumni, and advocates of FIRST.

Process for Ohio Leadership Award Interviews for the 2026-2027 Season

For the 2026-2027 Season, Ohio FTC will be conducting all Leadership Award interviews at a Remote Interview Only Event that will take place over one weekend. More information regarding specifics of the event will be shared closer to the event date.

leadership award

Nomination Guide