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You can be part of something extraordinary
FIRST® Championship Volunteering
Volunteering with FIRST is an amazing opportunity to be energized, feel fulfilled, and have FUN. Regardless of skill level, or time commitment, we have a volunteer position available for you! When you say, “I want to volunteer!”, you’re helping our non-profit organization fuel its mission of changing the world – one student at a time.
FIRST Championship Volunteer Benefits
- Receive a FIRST Championship volunteer t-shirt.
- Have access to hotel room discounts for the event.
- Receive meals during their volunteer shift.
- Inspire kids from around the world.
- And have fun giving back in a super-charged, energetic environment.
Applications to volunteer for 2026 FIRST Championship will no longer be accepted through the dashboard after Tuesday, April 21. Anyone who would like to volunteer and has not applied by end of day on April 21 can still volunteer as a walk-on volunteer at the event.
2026 FIRST Championship
Volunteer Orientation Webinar
All 2026 FIRST Championship volunteers are invited to join us at the FIRST Championship Volunteer Orientation webinar on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 8 PM ET. This webinar will cover the following content: event building layouts, volunteer registration and badging, the volunteer café schedule, FIRST volunteer events & benefits, volunteer parking, and more. There will be time included at the end for questions.
General Volunteer Information
-
Badging, Registration, and Hotels
Badging, On-Site Registration, and Hotels
Badging is open for assigned volunteers. Volunteers will receive an email a few days after they have been assigned inviting them to register for badging, food preferences, and hotels! If you have not received an email, please contact volunteer@firstinspires.org and they will resend it.
Main Registration:Date:
Open:
Close:
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
7:00 AM
6:00 PM
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
7:00 AM
6:00 PM
Thursday, April 30, 2026
7:00 AM
6:00 PM
Friday, May 1, 2026
7:00 AM
6:00 PM
Saturday, May 2, 2026
7:00 AM
2:00 PM
Satellite Registration:
Date
Area
Open
Close
Wednesday, April 29
FIRST LEGO League
11:00 AM
3:00 PM
Wednesday, April 29
FIRST Tech Challenge
7:30 AM
12:00 PM
Wednesday, April 29
FIRST Robotics Competition
7:00 AM
6:00 PM
Do I still have to register to attend if I am not using the FIRST Championship Hotel Accommodations?
Yes, all attendees must use the badging system to register for the event. This registration information is used to create your official badge for the event and all attendees are required to have a badge while on site. Please complete this prior to arriving to expedite badging on site.
Do I have to stay at a hotel that is part of the FIRST Championship Hotel Accommodations?
No, the FIRST hotel program is provided as an option for volunteers.
When will I receive information on registering and reserving a hotel?
After receiving an assignment notification email that your role has been assigned, you will receive a separate individualized and unique email with instructions on how to register and book a hotel. These registration emails will be sent Tuesdays and Thursdays each week starting January 6, 2026.
-
Parking
Parking
Free Volunteer Parking is LIMITED. FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED.
- Located at the GRB Convention Center loading dock off Chartres
- Enter the loading dock gates by taking a left into the open gate across from Walker St. Off Chartres
- Volunteer Coordinators will send parking passes to assigned volunteers the week of the event
- PRINT PASS. Make sure it is visible on car's dashboard
- Trailers and buses are NOT permitted in the volunteer lot
- Lot open Monday-Saturday from 5:30 AM-10:00 PM
- There is no security. Park at your own risk.
-
What to Bring
What to Bring
- Please wear appropriate clothing while volunteering(fine to wear shorts, skirts, pants, etc.). A FIRST volunteer shirt will be provided to all volunteers and volunteers are asked to wear it while volunteering (unless their role requires other apparel).
- Comfortable Closed Toed Shoes
- Refillable Water Bottle
- please note that water refill stations are only located on the 3rd floor but there will be drinks available within the FIRST Robotics Competition area
- Safety Glasses (if you do not have any, some will be provided for volunteers)
- Portable Phone Charger (optional)
- Tiara for Tiara Friday (optional)
-
Meals and Breaks
Meals and Breaks
- Volunteers receive meals on the days they volunteer only. Meals are displayed on badges to receive entry to the volunteer café. Your meal days will match your assignments for Championship in the FIRST Dashboard.
- Please note that information on Dietary Restrictions must be entered when you complete registration as part of badging for the event.
Date
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Breakfast
6:00 - 9:00 AM
6:00 - 9:00 AM
6:00 - 9:00 AM
6:00 - 9:00 AM
6:00 - 9:00 AM
Lunch
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Dinner
5:00 - 8:00 PM
5:00 - 8:00 PM
Closed**
Closed
Closed*
**Innovation Faire night open to volunteers.
*Volunteer Appreciation CelebrationVolunteer Café
The Volunteer Café is where volunteers can get meals on the days they volunteer.
Snacks
Snacks will be available to volunteers at each program's Pit Admin for volunteers to grab as needed.
Breaks
There is no set break schedule but if you need a short break, please let your Volunteer Coordinator or Lead Volunteer know so they can accommodate. Lunch breaks are provided each day and are roughly an hour and half (pending any field delays).
Conference Sessions & Meetings
If you need to attend a conference session, meeting, or the Dean's List Lunch, please let us know so that we can make a note and ensure that there is coverage. On site, we ask you to also let your Volunteer Coordinator or Lead Volunteer know prior to leaving.
-
Local Transportation
-
Accessibility
Accessibility
- FIRST is committed to STEM for EveryoneTM. FIRST is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of unity. We embrace and celebrate our global community. Exploring, developing and implementing strategies to ensure opportunities for any young person who engages in our programs is critical for FIRST to fulfill its mission. ALL young people should have the opportunity to become science and technology leaders who have the skills, confidence and resilience to build a better world. If a volunteer needs an accommodation for an event, please reach out to the Volunteer Coordinator prior to the event so they can help ensure an accommodation is available and that the role is the right fit. Accommodations are determined reasonable given they do not create an undue hardship or cause safety concerns.
- Accessible Seating - Accessible seating is available for all fields. If your team needs accessible seating, please indicate this when you register for badging to help us with planning. There will be space for the person in need plus up to 3 additional members from their team. Due to space constraints, most of the team will need to sit in the reserved stands behind the accessible seating. If a student is the one in need, we ask that at least 1 adult sits in the reserved area.
- Please be aware that anyone sitting in the Accessible Seating area must wear safety glasses and have closed toed shoes. Please see a volunteer for directions to seating.
- Gender Neutral Bathrooms - Gender neutral bathrooms will be available as shown in the layout above as well as layouts on the FIRST Championship website.
- Lactation Pods - coming soon!
- Prayer Rooms - coming soon!
- Quiet Room - A Quiet Room will be available for those participants who need a quiet space to de-stress and take a break from the business of the competition. The Quiet Room is located on coming soon!.
- If you would like to donate items (things like playing cards, board games, stress balls, puzzles) for the room, please bring then to the Quiet Room.
- The Quiet Room hours are:
- Wednesday: TBD
- Thursday: TBD
- Friday: TBD
- Saturday: TBD
-
Other Information
Other Information
If you are an international volunteer and in need of a support letter to accompany your visa application, please fill out this webform with your contact information and volunteer position.
If you are a volunteer and in need of a volunteer letter to provide to your employer, please reach out to Volunteer@firstinspires.org.
Badging, On-Site Registration, and Hotels
Badging is open for assigned volunteers. Volunteers will receive an email a few days after they have been assigned inviting them to register for badging, food preferences, and hotels! If you have not received an email, please contact volunteer@firstinspires.org and they will resend it.
Main Registration:
|
Date: |
Open: |
Close: |
|
Tuesday, April 28, 2026 |
7:00 AM |
6:00 PM |
|
Wednesday, April 29, 2026 |
7:00 AM |
6:00 PM |
|
Thursday, April 30, 2026 |
7:00 AM |
6:00 PM |
|
Friday, May 1, 2026 |
7:00 AM |
6:00 PM |
|
Saturday, May 2, 2026 |
7:00 AM |
2:00 PM |
Satellite Registration:
|
Date |
Area |
Open |
Close |
|
Wednesday, April 29 |
FIRST LEGO League |
11:00 AM |
3:00 PM |
|
Wednesday, April 29 |
FIRST Tech Challenge |
7:30 AM |
12:00 PM |
|
Wednesday, April 29 |
FIRST Robotics Competition |
7:00 AM |
6:00 PM |
Do I still have to register to attend if I am not using the FIRST Championship Hotel Accommodations?
Yes, all attendees must use the badging system to register for the event. This registration information is used to create your official badge for the event and all attendees are required to have a badge while on site. Please complete this prior to arriving to expedite badging on site.
Do I have to stay at a hotel that is part of the FIRST Championship Hotel Accommodations?
No, the FIRST hotel program is provided as an option for volunteers.
When will I receive information on registering and reserving a hotel?
After receiving an assignment notification email that your role has been assigned, you will receive a separate individualized and unique email with instructions on how to register and book a hotel. These registration emails will be sent Tuesdays and Thursdays each week starting January 6, 2026.
Parking
Free Volunteer Parking is LIMITED. FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED.
- Located at the GRB Convention Center loading dock off Chartres
- Enter the loading dock gates by taking a left into the open gate across from Walker St. Off Chartres
- Volunteer Coordinators will send parking passes to assigned volunteers the week of the event
- PRINT PASS. Make sure it is visible on car's dashboard
- Trailers and buses are NOT permitted in the volunteer lot
- Lot open Monday-Saturday from 5:30 AM-10:00 PM
- There is no security. Park at your own risk.
What to Bring
- Please wear appropriate clothing while volunteering(fine to wear shorts, skirts, pants, etc.). A FIRST volunteer shirt will be provided to all volunteers and volunteers are asked to wear it while volunteering (unless their role requires other apparel).
- Comfortable Closed Toed Shoes
- Refillable Water Bottle
- please note that water refill stations are only located on the 3rd floor but there will be drinks available within the FIRST Robotics Competition area
- Safety Glasses (if you do not have any, some will be provided for volunteers)
- Portable Phone Charger (optional)
- Tiara for Tiara Friday (optional)
Meals and Breaks
- Volunteers receive meals on the days they volunteer only. Meals are displayed on badges to receive entry to the volunteer café. Your meal days will match your assignments for Championship in the FIRST Dashboard.
- Please note that information on Dietary Restrictions must be entered when you complete registration as part of badging for the event.
|
Date |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
|
Breakfast |
6:00 - 9:00 AM |
6:00 - 9:00 AM |
6:00 - 9:00 AM |
6:00 - 9:00 AM |
6:00 - 9:00 AM |
|
Lunch |
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM |
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM |
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM |
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM |
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM |
|
Dinner |
5:00 - 8:00 PM |
5:00 - 8:00 PM |
Closed** |
Closed |
|
**Innovation Faire night open to volunteers.
*Volunteer Appreciation Celebration
Volunteer Café
The Volunteer Café is where volunteers can get meals on the days they volunteer.
Snacks
Snacks will be available to volunteers at each program's Pit Admin for volunteers to grab as needed.
Breaks
There is no set break schedule but if you need a short break, please let your Volunteer Coordinator or Lead Volunteer know so they can accommodate. Lunch breaks are provided each day and are roughly an hour and half (pending any field delays).
Conference Sessions & Meetings
If you need to attend a conference session, meeting, or the Dean's List Lunch, please let us know so that we can make a note and ensure that there is coverage. On site, we ask you to also let your Volunteer Coordinator or Lead Volunteer know prior to leaving.
Accessibility
- FIRST is committed to STEM for EveryoneTM. FIRST is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of unity. We embrace and celebrate our global community. Exploring, developing and implementing strategies to ensure opportunities for any young person who engages in our programs is critical for FIRST to fulfill its mission. ALL young people should have the opportunity to become science and technology leaders who have the skills, confidence and resilience to build a better world. If a volunteer needs an accommodation for an event, please reach out to the Volunteer Coordinator prior to the event so they can help ensure an accommodation is available and that the role is the right fit. Accommodations are determined reasonable given they do not create an undue hardship or cause safety concerns.
- Accessible Seating - Accessible seating is available for all fields. If your team needs accessible seating, please indicate this when you register for badging to help us with planning. There will be space for the person in need plus up to 3 additional members from their team. Due to space constraints, most of the team will need to sit in the reserved stands behind the accessible seating. If a student is the one in need, we ask that at least 1 adult sits in the reserved area.
- Please be aware that anyone sitting in the Accessible Seating area must wear safety glasses and have closed toed shoes. Please see a volunteer for directions to seating.
- Gender Neutral Bathrooms - Gender neutral bathrooms will be available as shown in the layout above as well as layouts on the FIRST Championship website.
- Lactation Pods - coming soon!
- Prayer Rooms - coming soon!
- Quiet Room - A Quiet Room will be available for those participants who need a quiet space to de-stress and take a break from the business of the competition. The Quiet Room is located on coming soon!.
- If you would like to donate items (things like playing cards, board games, stress balls, puzzles) for the room, please bring then to the Quiet Room.
- The Quiet Room hours are:
- Wednesday: TBD
- Thursday: TBD
- Friday: TBD
- Saturday: TBD
Other Information
If you are an international volunteer and in need of a support letter to accompany your visa application, please fill out this webform with your contact information and volunteer position.
If you are a volunteer and in need of a volunteer letter to provide to your employer, please reach out to Volunteer@firstinspires.org.
General Volunteer FAQ
What is the minimum age requirement to volunteer?
The minimum age to volunteer at Championship is 15 years old. 13 and 14 year olds can participate in the event by applying to be Student Ambassadors. They can reach out to studentambassador@firstinspires.org to learn more.
Why haven’t I been assigned a role yet?
First, confirm you have completed your Youth Protection screening and have signed the FIRST consent and release form in the FIRST Dashboard. If you have completed those steps, please be patient as we work through assignments.
What do I do if I can no longer volunteer or my plans change?
It's okay to let us know that you can no longer volunteer. We would prefer to know so that we can properly staff the event. If you have not been assigned a role, you can withdraw your application on the FIRST Dashboard. If you have already been assigned a role, contact your volunteer coordinator immediately so they can make a contingency plan. Their contact information is in the assignment notification email you received.
When do I receive information on registering and reserving a hotel?
After receiving an assignment notification email that your role has been assigned, you will receive a separate email with instructions on how to register and book a hotel. These registration emails will be sent Tuesdays and Thursdays each week starting January 6, 2026.
Do I still need to register to attend if I’m not using the FIRST Championship Hotel Program?
Yes, all attendees must use the badging system to register for the event. This registration information is used to create your official badge for the event and all attendees are required to have a badge while on site. Please complete this prior to arriving to expedite badging on site.
Do I have to stay at a hotel that is part of the FIRST Championship Hotel Program?
No, the FIRST hotel program is provided as an option for volunteers.
Can I still volunteer at FIRST Championship if I was not assigned a role in advance of the event?
Walk-on volunteers may be needed at the event in the case of assigned volunteer absences. Walk-on volunteers must be 15 years or older. A QR code will be available at the Information Booth on Level 1 for you to scan and complete a form with your availability. For individuals 15-17 years old, a parent or guardian must complete the form. Once the form is completed, there will be a wait time as volunteer needs are evaluated. If you are selected for an assignment, a volunteer coordinator will contact you. We ask that you are patient and remind you that completing the Walk-on volunteer form is an offer to assist and not a guarantee of a role.
What meals will be provided?
Volunteers will receive meals in the volunteer café on the day(s) they have an assigned volunteer role only. Meal days are displayed on badges to receive entry to the volunteer café. Your meal days will match your assignments for Championship in the FIRST Dashboard. You can also request dietary preferences when you compete registration. Meal times are outlined in the Volunteer Event Guide (coming soon).
What will I get when I check-In?
Volunteers will be provided a name badge, a volunteer shirt, and a gift from FIRST. All volunteers must check-in and receive their badge to volunteer at the event.
Where is the Volunteer Café and Lounge?
The Volunteer Café and Lounge are in Volunteer Central on Level Three of the George R. Brown Convention Center.
Who do I contact with questions?
volunteer@firstinspires.org (FIRST LEGO League Explore, FIRST LEGO League Challenge, FIRST Tech Challenge)
and frc-global-vcs@firstinspires.org (FIRST Robotics Competition)
and frc-global-vcs@firstinspires.org (FIRST Robotics Competition)