Robotics Award Program

The TVA Robotics Award Program, established through a partnership between the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and Bicentennial Volunteers Inc. (BVI), supports robotics education across the TVA service region. BVI is an organization made up of TVA retirees, and their collaboration with TVA reflects a longstanding commitment to youth engagement through science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). While TVA has previously administered STEM classroom awards since 2015, the Robotics Award Program uniquely targets robotics-focused teams to encourage participation in competitions and expand hands-on learning opportunities. This grant is designed to empower public and private K–12 schools and nonprofit organizations serving youth aged 5 to 18. Eligible entities must reside within the TVA service area or watershed and must receive electricity from a TVA local power company. Applications must be submitted by an adult team lead, and the applicant must complete a pre-qualification questionnaire that determines the eligible funding level. Robotics teams, as defined by the program, are structured groups of students engaging in designing, building, and programming robots for competitions. Homeschool and pre-K groups not registered as non-profits are ineligible, as are any organizations with religious admission or employment restrictions unless they operate independently as a 501(c)(3) entity. The grant provides financial awards of up to $5,000, which can be used to purchase robotics kits, tools, materials, and competition entry fees. Specific usage rules apply: only 25% (or a maximum of $750) can go toward uniforms or t-shirts, and no more than $1,500 may be used for staffing or stipends. Travel for competitions is supported if destinations fall within 300 miles one way, except for national events, which may exceed that limit. Funds cannot be used for general office supplies, professional development, food (unless during travel), construction projects, or unrelated entertainment. All purchases and materials acquired through the award remain the property of the organization. Applicants are required to provide comprehensive demographic and operational information, including details about the students served, team size, regional power provider, and more. The application itself spans several qualitative categories, including program objectives, student participation, competitions and achievements, equipment inventory, sustainability, and budget planning. The application must be submitted by May 15, 2026, with a review period running through July 31, 2026. Awards will be announced on August 15, 2026. TVA and BVI require public acknowledgment of support, encouraging grant recipients to display TVA/BVI logos on banners, apparel, and in social media posts using #TVARobotics. All awardees must also adhere to media guidelines, including submission of high-quality media and photography releases. By accepting the award, recipients agree to these promotional and reporting obligations, which are meant to highlight TVA’s investment in workforce development through robotics education.

Ensure full completion of application questions; stay within usage caps (e.g., max 25% on uniforms, $1,500 on stipends); award is disqualified if incomplete.