<img height="1" width="1" alt="" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?ev=6040522176231&amp;cd[value]=0.00&amp;cd[currency]=USD&amp;noscript=1">
inspire-the-future-web-banner

 

At FIRST®, recognition is not only part of our name, it's core to our ethos, and we strive to celebrate those educators and schools with exceptional commitments to their learning communities.

In this spirit, we are proud to launch our fifith year of the Inspire the Future: FIRST Recognition Program. Help us celebrate the FIRST educators and schools who inspire their students and advance the mission of FIRST by submitting a nomination. 

Nominations for the 2026 Inspire the Future cohort are open now. 

Educator Eligibility

The Educator portion of the program recognizes inspirational educators from multiple areas of study with outstanding commitments to their learning communities.

To be eligible for nomination, educators must be: 

  • An educator who is currently working directly with students in K-12 settings
  • Have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to expanding access to FIRST programs
  • Are engaging students in STEM through classroom and/or after-school activities

Nominate an Educator

School Eligibility

The School portions of the program recognizes schools with outstanding commitments to expanding access to FIRST programs in their learning communities.

To be eligible for nomination, schools must be: 

  • Part of a K-12 educational setting (this includes public, independent, charter, or hybrid/virtual schools) 
  • Engaging students in FIRST through classroom and/or after-school activities 
  • Actively be participating in FIRST during the 2025-2026 season with completed team or Class Pack registrations

Nominate a School

 Award Timeline & Information

September 12, 2025 | Nominations Open
October 31, 2025 | Nominations Close
November 14, 2025 | Applications Open for Nominees
December 17, 2025 | Applications Close for Nominees

Join us during Teacher Appreciation Week 2026 when we will announce our awardees:

  • Fifteen (15) educators will be chosen from around the world from multiple areas of study and by various age ranges that they teach including Kindergarten-Grade 1, Grades 2-5, Grades 6-8, and Grades 9-12
  • Fifteen (15) schools will be chosen from locations in the United States and Internationally
inspire-the-future_quote_024

See Previous Honorees: 2022 Honorees | 2023 Honorees | 2024 Honorees | 2025 Honorees

FIRST tagline
About Contact Privacy Legal Donate

© 2025 FIRST