During the course of the competition, the judging panel may encounter a
team whose unique efforts, performance or dynamics merit recognition,
yet doesn’t fit into any of the existing award categories. To recognize
these unique teams, FIRST offers a customizable judges’ award.
During the course of the competition, the judging panel may encounter a
team whose unique efforts, performance or dynamics merit recognition,
yet doesn’t fit into any of the existing award categories. To recognize
these unique teams, FIRST offers a customizable judges’ award.
The Compass Award recognizes an adult coach or mentor who has provided outstanding guidance and support for a team throughout the year and demonstrates to the team what it means to be a Gracious Professional.
The Promote Award is given to the team that is most successful in creating a compelling video message for the public designed to change our culture and celebrate science, technology, engineering and math
This award is presented to the team that has best incorporated both functional and aesthetic design elements into their solutions without compromising either one
This judged award celebrates the team that exemplifies the essence of the FIRST Tech Challenge competition through teambuilding, team spirit and exhibited enthusiasm. This team embraces the culture of FIRST and clearly demonstrates what it means to be a team. This is a team who makes a collective effort to make FIRST known throughout their school and community, and sparks others to embrace the culture of FIRST
This award celebrates a team that uses sensors and software to enhance the robot’s functionality on the field; and is given to the team that demonstrates innovative thinking in the control system to solve game challenges such as autonomous operation, enhancing mechanical systems with intelligent control, or using sensors to achieve better results on the field
The Think Award is given to the team that best reflects their ideas, season, and journey through their engineering portfolio
This award celebrates the team that not only thinks outside the box, but also has ingenuity and inventiveness in their design solution
This judged award is given to the team that most connects with their local science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) community. A true FIRST team is more than a sum of its parts and recognizes that engaging their local STEM community plays an essential part in their success. The recipient of this award is recognized for helping the community understand FIRST, FIRST Tech Challenge, and the team itself.
FIRST Dean’s List Finalists are outstanding student leaders whose passion for and effectiveness at attaining FIRST ideals is exemplary. These students were nominated by their teams for their direct contributions and impact on others –exemplifying leadership and commitment, on their FIRST Tech Challenge team, in their school, and in their community.
This award celebrates the pinnacle of FIRST Tech Challenge achievement. The team has performed well in all categories and is chosen as a role model for all teams
The Alliance Awards recognizes the Finalist and Winning Alliance for their achievement in robot game performance.