Power Up Your STEM Skills in the K12 Robotics Competition

Get ready to spark innovation, fuel curiosity, and supercharge STEM skills—because the K12 Robotics Competition is back and more exciting than ever! This year, we’re inviting all students in grades 4–12 to join the challenge.

From budding coders to robotics rookies, every participant will dive into hands-on STEM adventures and experience the rush of creative problem-solving. Whether your child dreams in code or is just beginning to explore the world of robotics, this is their chance to shine, learn, and grow.

What is the K12 Robotics League?

The K12 Robotics League is a dynamic, student robotics league built around a virtual robotics competition. Using Virtual Robotics Toolkit (VRT) software, teams of 1–3 students design, program, and test their virtual robots to take on real-world coding challenges.

Competitors are grouped into three grade bands—4–6, 7–9, and 10–12—and face off in three virtual rounds, all leading to the exciting in-person Final Round in June 2026. Along the way, students learn robotics programming in a fun, supportive environment that celebrates creativity and problem-solving.

How It Works

The season kicks off with the Initial Friendly Challenge—a low-pressure, high-energy round that helps students get familiar with the platform. Winners in each grade band will take home a $25 Amazon e-gift card!

From there, teams advance through two qualifier rounds, with the top three teams in each grade band invited to the in-person finals. The champions will win a $500 prize and the coveted league trophy!

What You’ll Need

All students need to get started is the Virtual Robotics Toolkit (VRT) software—an interactive playground where they can program, test, and perfect their robot. The cost is just $50 for an annual subscription, making this one of the most accessible student STEM competitions available.

No physical robot is required until the finals—and even then, it’s already pre-built. Students simply bring their code, their ideas, and their competitive spirit.

Why join the K12 Robotics League?

At just $50 per student, this program is not only affordable—it’s an investment in skills that last a lifetime. By joining, your child will:

• Learn real-world STEM skills like coding, math, and engineering logic.
• Build teamwork, communication, and time management skills.
• Gain confidence through trial-and-error learning and creative problem solving.
• Experience the excitement of a coding competition for kids that celebrates progress as much as winning.

Skills That Stick

This isn’t just a robotics competition—it’s a launchpad for how to think. Students learn to break down problems, test solutions, and adapt when things don’t go as planned. These are the same skills that fuel innovation in the real world—and they’ll carry them into school, future careers, and beyond.

Who can join?

Any student in grades 4–12 can compete—no prior experience needed! Teams can have up to three students from the same grade band, and solo competitors are welcome too. Whether they’re coding alone or collaborating with friends, this is a chance for kids to connect and explore STEM activities together.

Key Dates

• Registration: September 3–November 12, 2025
• Initial Friendly Challenge: January 9–16, 2026
• First Round Qualifier: February 13–20, 2026
• Second Round Qualifier: March 13–20, 2026
• Final In-Person Round: June 2026 in Reston, Virginia

Start Your Robotics Journey

The K12 Robotics Competition is more than an event—it’s an adventure in creativity, collaboration, and confidence. Give your child the chance to code, compete, and shine.

Is your child ready to join the K12 Robotics League? Register their team by November 12, 2025.