Robotics Training Program

Build robots. Win competitions.

A structured, year-round competitive robotics pathway for Grades 4–8. Three levels of training in design, programming, mission strategy, innovation, and leadership.

Grades 4–8 3 Training Levels Competitive Path
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Robot built on mission mat at STEMForce Academy
Competitive Robotics

From the first wire to the winner’s circle.

The Robotics Training Program is STEMForce Academy’s structured, year-round competitive robotics pathway. Students progress through three levels of training in robot design, programming, mission strategy, innovation development, and leadership.

This isn’t an after-school club. It’s a deliberate skill ladder — each level prepares students for the next, building the technical chops and competitive mindset that get teams to regional, state, and national events.

For students who fall in love with robotics, this is where it gets serious.

Three Training Levels

A path from rookie to ready.

Every student starts at Foundations and advances based on demonstrated skill — not age. The next level isn’t given; it’s earned.

Level 01 · Foundations

Rookie Robotics

Learn the building blocks: mechanical design fundamentals, basic programming, and the engineering process. Students complete their first builds and run their first missions.

  • Mechanical design basics
  • Intro to block-based programming
  • First missions & mock challenges
  • Engineering notebook practices
Level 02 · Development

Mission Specialists

Move into real strategy and refinement. Students take on full-season missions, develop innovation projects, and learn how to optimize robots for performance under competition conditions.

  • Full-season mission cycles
  • Strategy & iteration
  • Innovation project development
  • Team roles & collaboration
Level 03 · Mastery

Competition Ready

Refine the robot, the strategy, and the team. Advanced programming, judging preparation, public speaking, and the leadership skills that distinguish strong teams from championship ones.

  • Advanced sensors & autonomy
  • Judging prep & presentation
  • Team leadership development
  • Eligibility for Competition Team
What Students Develop

Five skills that show up everywhere.

Competitive robotics teaches more than how to build a robot. It teaches how to think, how to plan, and how to perform when the lights come on.

Robot Design

Mechanical engineering, structures, drivetrain optimization

Programming

Logic, autonomous routines, sensor integration

Strategy

Mission planning, prioritization, scoring optimization

Innovation

Research, real-world problem identification, original solutions

Leadership

Public speaking, judging interviews, team coordination

STEMForce Competition Team

The team that represents the Academy.

Agents invited to the STEMForce Competition Team participate in intensive prep focused on robot performance, mission strategy, innovation project readiness, and judging preparation. This team represents STEMForce Academy at competitive events — and is eligible to advance to the State Team based on performance and coach selection.

Apply for Competition Team
Selection
By coach invitation
Eligibility
Level 3 trainees
Path Forward
State Team advancement
The Details

What’s included.

Everything trainees need to compete — included with the program.

Schedule & Format

  • Session length:90–120 minutes
  • Meets:Year-round, with intensive seasons before events
  • Team size:Small teams, coach-led
  • Location:The Academy, 213 W. King St., Martinsburg

What’s included

  • Competition-grade robotics kits and components
  • Experienced coaches with competition background
  • Practice arenas and competition setups
  • Innovation project research support
  • Path to STEMForce Competition Team selection
Parent FAQ

Common questions.

Does my child need robotics experience to start?
No. Every trainee starts at Level 1 (Rookie Robotics) and learns the fundamentals before advancing. Kids who’ve done some robotics elsewhere — or come from our Code Agents program — often move through Level 1 faster.
What grade levels does this program serve?
Grades 4 through 8. The program is built around the cognitive level and team dynamics that work best for this age range.
What’s the difference between this and the Code Agents program?
Code Agents is a general STEM membership covering coding, robotics, and game development. The Robotics Training Program is specifically a competitive robotics pathway — deeper, more focused, with a clear competition track for serious robotics students.
Will my child actually compete?
All trainees get exposure to competition-style missions and challenges. Advancing to the STEMForce Competition Team — which represents the Academy at official competitive events — is invitation-only, based on demonstrated skill at Level 3.
How long does it take to move through the levels?
It varies. Some trainees move from Foundations to Mastery in a year; others take two or more. Promotion is based on demonstrated competence, not time served. Mastery first.
What about parts, kits, and travel costs?
All standard robotics kits and components are provided. For students who advance to competitive events, additional costs (travel, registration, event fees) may apply — we walk families through specifics when the time comes.

Ready to start the training?

Enrollment is year-round. Reach out and we’ll get your trainee placed in the right level to begin.

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