WPI FIRST Scholarships

WPI is a longtime supporter of the FIRST robotics program and offers scholarships for FIRST participants.

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a multinational, nonprofit organization that aspires to make science, math, engineering, and technology as cool for kids as sports are today.

The FIRST Scholarship Program enabled me to attend the best engineering institution in the country; a feat that would have been a pipe dream otherwise.
  • Adam C.
  • WPI sophomore, Mechanical Engineering
WPI Design Innovation Scholarship
  • What: A full-tuition, four-year undergraduate scholarship (valued at approximately $220,000) to a FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), or FIRST Global Challenge (FGC) team student participant.
  • Who: Each team participating in one of the challenges may nominate one of its student members.  

In addition to the full-tuition scholarship, WPI offers three $40,000 scholarships ($10,000 per year for four years of undergraduate study) to applicants to the Design Innovation Scholarship who are not selected for the full-tuition award, but whose applications merit receiving an award.

WPI FIRST Community Scholarship
  • What: A full-tuition, four-year undergraduate scholarship (valued at approximately $220,000) to a FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), or FIRST Global Challenge (FGC) team student participant to attend WPI in pursuit of a career in engineering, science, or business.
  • Who: Each team participating in one of the challenges may nominate one of its student members. The scholarship is intended to be awarded to a student who embodies WPI’s values of respect, community, inclusion, innovation, and achievement.
Application Process

To apply for all FIRST scholarships:

  • Both Scholarships: You should first apply to WPI as a first-year student through the Common Application no later than Feb. 1, the regular decision deadline. (See all application deadlines)
  • Both Scholarships: Apply to the specific FIRST scholarship when the application opens on December 1, 2023, and closes on March 11, 2024.

You must submit the following materials via SlideRoom* when the application opens:

  • Both Scholarships: Scholarship Application.
  • Both Scholarships: Letter of nomination from the adult team leader describing your demonstrated enthusiasm for engineering and science. They should also show examples of your ability and innovation to succeed as an engineer or scientist. Note: You will have the opportunity to invite your nominator to submit their letter of recommendation via SlideRoom.
  • WPI Design Innovation Scholarship ONLY: A presentation focusing on and describing one or more of the design innovations in your team's current year robot. Presentations should not be longer than five minutes in length. Presentations should be videos (.mov, .wmv, .flv, .mp4), or links to media. The presentation should also touch upon one of the following:
    • How your team builds spirit
    • How your team demonstrates sportsmanship
    • The importance of teamwork in developing the robot
       
  • WPI FIRST Community Scholarship ONLY: An essay describing how you have exemplified WPI's values of Respect, Community, Inclusion, Innovation, and Achievement in the FIRST Community or in your life. Please be sure to touch on all five values in your submission. Learn more about how WPI defines these values here: https://www.wpi.edu/about/mission. Please note there is a 3500 character (about 500 word) limit.

*SlideRoom is a web-based service where you can upload your presentation, link to media, and solicit a letter of nomination. Please be sure to select the correct scholarship you are applying for.

FIRST Scholarship Eligibility

FIRST scholarship candidates must be high school seniors and active FIRST (FRC, FTC, or FGC) team members. You must meet WPI admissions standards, have demonstrated enthusiasm for engineering and science, and possess the ability and innovation needed to excel as an engineer, scientist, or manager.