Exciting News: FIRST in Texas and UIL Partnership Renewed Through 2029!

Austin, Texas – We are thrilled to announce that FIRST in Texas has renewed our partnership with the University Interscholastic League (UIL) through the year 2029! This extended agreement cements the successful collaboration we have built together since FIRST became the first robotics program approved as a UIL academic activity back in 2019.

Through this valuable partnership, FIRST in Texas and UIL are committed to significantly enhancing STEM education across the state and expanding access to FIRST programs for all interested schools. This collaboration ensures that more students than ever have the opportunity to engage in hands-on, innovative learning experiences that are not only educational but also incredibly exciting.

“We are delighted to renew our partnership with the UIL, a collaboration that has greatly enriched STEM education opportunities across Texas. As we continue this journey together, our focus remains steadfast on empowering our young Texans with the skills they need to thrive in a future driven by innovation. This partnership not only emphasizes the critical role of STEM education but also reinforces our commitment to developing the next generation of leaders and problem-solvers.” — Jason Arms, Executive Director, FIRST in Texas

UIL and FIRST in Texas: A Partnership for the Future

The partnership between FIRST in Texas and UIL is a cornerstone of our mission to foster well-rounded educational opportunities. UIL’s long history of organizing and supervising contests that prepare students for citizenship and build character aligns perfectly with our goals at FIRST in Texas. Together, we are dedicated to nurturing healthy, character-building, and educational activities for our youth.

A Gateway to Greater Opportunities

For UIL member schools participating in FIRST programs, every official FIRST in Texas event is a qualifying event for UIL. This includes competitions in both the FIRST Tech Challenge and the FIRST Robotics Competition. Schools earn valuable points towards their UIL score by participating in these events, underscoring the importance and value of their students’ achievements in robotics.

Why This Matters

The purpose of UIL is to organize activities that help prepare students for responsible citizenship. The organization believes in fostering sensible, organized competition under proper controls, which has proven its value time and again by inspiring talented students. While not every student may participate in UIL contests, those with the inclination and capacity to excel in activities beyond the classroom find these competitions a valuable part of their educational experience.

FIRST in Texas is proud to be a part of this tradition of excellence and to contribute to an environment where intellectual pursuits and teamwork are celebrated. The active support of school executives, teachers, and citizens across Texas only strengthens our resolve to push forward and continue making a significant impact through this partnership.

Looking Ahead

As we look to the future, the renewed partnership between FIRST in Texas and the UIL is more than just a continuation of past successes—it’s a commitment to the next generation of innovators and leaders in Texas. We are excited to see how this collaboration will continue to evolve and inspire even more students in the years to come.

Thank you to all our participants, supporters, and the UIL for your continued faith in what we do. Here’s to continuing to inspire and educate Texas students together, proving that through collaboration and dedication, we can achieve incredible things!

Stay tuned to our website and social media channels for updates on upcoming events and opportunities to get involved. Let’s make the most of this partnership and continue to drive STEM education forward in Texas!