Ohio · Private / Regional Grant

Ohio FIRST Robotics / Robotics Competition Grants

Ohio FIRST Robotics programs and regional robotics competition grants provide funding for Ohio teams to participate in FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), and FIRST LEGO League, building engineering, coding, and teamwork skills.

Funding

$500–$10,000 (team support)

Eligibility

Ohio schools and nonprofits with FIRST Robotics teams

Grade Focus

K-12

Subject

Robotics / Engineering / CS

Deadline

Annual (fall season prep)

Type

Private / Regional Grant

About This Grant

Ohio has one of the strongest FIRST Robotics cultures in the country, with hundreds of teams competing across all FIRST program levels. Ohio's manufacturing heritage — GM, Honda, Ford, and hundreds of supplier companies — has produced a culture of engineering pride that translates directly into enthusiastic FIRST Robotics participation and sponsorship.

FIRST Robotics teams need ongoing funding for registration fees, parts, travel, and equipment. Ohio-based corporate sponsors — Honda of America, Battelle, Parker Hannifin, and smaller manufacturers — actively seek FIRST teams to sponsor. Regional FIRST Ohio grants and team support programs help teams cover these costs, especially in underserved communities where corporate sponsor relationships are harder to build.

Forward Education's physical computing kits complement FIRST programs well. Teams that start with micro:bit kits building foundational coding and electronics skills progress more confidently into FIRST competitions. Our curriculum scaffolds the engineering design process that underlies every successful FIRST season.

View Ohio FIRST Robotics / Robotics Competition Grants →

Eligibility

Ohio K-12 schools and nonprofit organizations with registered FIRST teams
Teams at any FIRST level: FLL Jr., FLL, FTC, or FRC
Priority for teams in underserved Ohio communities with limited corporate sponsor access
Teams must maintain FIRST registration and program compliance

Allowable Uses

Physical computing hardware (coding kits, micro:bits, robotics)
CS and AI literacy curriculum
Teacher professional development
Competition registration fees, team travel, and engineering materials

Forward Education Products for This Grant

Forward Education offers classroom-ready kits that align with Ohio CS standards and fit cleanly into grant budgets. All kits include teacher guides and curriculum.

micro:bit Starter Kit — Entry-level physical computing, perfect for introducing coding and computational thinking.
MicroChat AI Literacy Kit — Hands-on AI literacy curriculum covering machine learning concepts for K-12 classrooms.
Coding for Good Kit — Project-based learning kit connecting coding skills to real-world community challenges.
micro:bit Robotics Kit — Advanced robotics and engineering challenges for deeper CS exploration.

Keep in Mind

Ohio manufacturers are natural FIRST sponsors — approach local factories and supplier companies directly before applying for foundation grants.
FIRST Ohio regional staff can connect teams with available funding; don't miss the regional kickoff events.
Document the CS skills and career outcomes from your program — this data helps with both renewal funding and recruiting new sponsors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What FIRST program levels exist for Ohio teams?

FIRST LEGO League Jr. (preK-grade 3), FIRST LEGO League (grades 4-8), FIRST Tech Challenge (grades 7-12), and FIRST Robotics Competition (grades 9-12).

How do teams find Ohio-specific FIRST sponsors?

FIRST Ohio's regional office maintains sponsor connections. Honda, Battelle, and Parker Hannifin are historically active Ohio FIRST sponsors.

Can Forward Education kits help prepare teams for FIRST competitions?

Yes. Physical computing and coding kits build foundational skills in electronics, programming, and engineering design — core competencies for all FIRST programs.

Are there grants specifically for Ohio FRC teams?

FIRST Ohio and some Ohio community foundations offer team support grants. Corporate sponsors are the primary funding source for most Ohio teams.

How can Forward Education help?

We provide curriculum alignment documents mapped to Ohio CS standards, pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support for qualifying applications. Reach out before you apply.