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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.
Championship Volunteer Event Guide (coming soon)
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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.
Apply to Volunteer How to Apply and Register to Volunteer
close up of FIRST alumni and FIRST volunteer badge
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. 
2026 FIRST Championship Logo on black
Volunteer FAQ

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)