Programs, competitions, and career leads

Outside opportunities

Explore programs, student organizations, competitions, and scholarships beyond Makers in Motion. Filter by school level or subject to find a place to start.

A starting point

Find an opportunity

Use the filters together, or search by name or topic. Each link goes to the organization responsible for the program.

Team-based STEM program

FIRST LEGO League

Student teams design, build, and program robots, then take on a season challenge. FIRST lists Challenge participants as ages 9–16, with age ranges varying by country.

  • Middle school
  • High school
  • Engineering & robotics
Explore FIRST LEGO League

Team-based robotics program

FIRST Tech Challenge

Students in grades 7–12 work with mentors to design and build robots for a new annual game, developing engineering and teamwork skills along the way.

  • Middle school
  • High school
  • Engineering & robotics
  • Manufacturing & fabrication
  • Woodworking & metalworking
Explore FIRST Tech Challenge

Team-based robotics program

FIRST Robotics Competition

High school teams design, build, and program large robots for a yearly competition. Teams also work on outreach, fundraising, and project planning.

  • High school
  • Engineering & robotics
  • Manufacturing & fabrication
  • Woodworking & metalworking
Explore FIRST Robotics Competition

Mentoring program

ACE Mentor Program

Connect with mentors and explore careers across architecture, construction, and engineering. Local ACE affiliates run programs, so offerings vary by area.

  • High school
  • Engineering
  • Construction & architecture
Find an ACE program

Flight experiences and youth programs

EAA Young Eagles

Young people ages 8–17 can learn about aviation and request a flight with a volunteer pilot through the Young Eagles program. Check local availability and participation details.

  • Middle school
  • High school
  • Aviation
Learn about Young Eagles flights

Engineering community

SWENext

The Society of Women Engineers offers this community for students ages 5–18 to explore engineering and technology. Find programs, events, and ways to connect.

  • Middle school
  • High school
  • Engineering
Explore SWENext

Competitions and career skills

SkillsUSA

Students in career and technical education programs can take part through a local chapter. Championships include events in automotive service, aviation maintenance, carpentry, welding, and more.

  • High school
  • Trade school
  • Community college
  • Automotive
  • Aviation
  • Construction & architecture
  • Manufacturing & fabrication
  • Woodworking & metalworking
  • Skilled trades
Browse SkillsUSA competitions

Aerospace learning and experiences

NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars

NCAS connects community college students with aerospace career pathways through hands-on experiences, mentorship, and competitions. Check the program site for eligibility and current opportunities.

  • Community college
  • Engineering
  • Aviation & aerospace
Explore NASA NCAS

Collegiate design competitions

SAE International Student Events

University engineering teams can take on design-and-build challenges such as Formula SAE and Baja SAE. Review each event for team rules, schedules, and participation requirements.

  • University
  • Engineering
  • Automotive
  • Manufacturing & fabrication
Explore SAE student events

High school manufacturing program

SME PRIME

SME Education Foundation partners with high schools and local manufacturers to create manufacturing and engineering programs with equipment, curriculum, teacher training, and student support.

  • High school
  • Engineering & robotics
  • Manufacturing & fabrication
Explore SME PRIME

Robotics organization and competitions

REC Foundation VEX Robotics

Students form teams to design, build, and program robots for season-based competitions. VEX programs serve different age and school levels; find a local team and confirm the division that fits.

  • Middle school
  • High school
  • Engineering & robotics
  • Manufacturing & fabrication
Find VEX programs

Paid internships

NASA OSTEM Internships

College-level students can apply for paid, hands-on NASA internships in science, technology, engineering, aeronautics, and space exploration. Review current openings and eligibility before applying.

  • Community college
  • University
  • Engineering & robotics
  • Aviation & aerospace
Explore NASA internships

Aircraft maintenance training scholarship

NBAA AMT Maintenance Scholarship

NBAA Charities offers technical-training awards for current aviation maintenance technician students and business aviation professionals. Training awards can cover aircraft, engine, avionics, and related courses; check current eligibility and application dates.

  • Trade school
  • Community college
  • Aviation & aircraft maintenance
  • Skilled trades
Review NBAA AMT scholarship details

Manufacturing and engineering scholarships

SME Education Foundation Scholarships

Scholarships support graduating high school seniors and current college students pursuing associate or bachelor’s degrees in technical fields that support manufacturing. Applications and eligibility are updated each cycle.

  • High school
  • Community college
  • University
  • Engineering & robotics
  • Manufacturing & fabrication
Check SME scholarship details

Welding education scholarships

American Welding Society Scholarships

AWS scholarships support students in eligible welding, welding technology, fabrication, pipefitting, and related engineering programs. Awards may also apply to qualifying apprenticeship or certificate training; review each award’s rules.

  • Trade school
  • Community college
  • University
  • Manufacturing & fabrication
  • Skilled trades
Explore AWS scholarships

Engineering degree scholarships

Society of Women Engineers Scholarships

SWE offers scholarships for women pursuing eligible engineering and technology degrees. Awards have specific academic and program requirements; check current eligibility and application dates.

  • High school
  • University
  • Engineering & robotics
Review SWE scholarships

Aviation and aerospace scholarships

Women in Aviation International Scholarships

WAI lists scholarships for people pursuing aviation and aerospace goals, from flight training to technical and professional education. Membership and award-specific eligibility may apply; check the current scholarship cycle.

  • High school
  • Trade school
  • Community college
  • University
  • Aviation & aerospace
Browse WAI scholarships

Mobility and engineering scholarships

SAE International Scholarships

SAE scholarship opportunities support students pursuing engineering and related mobility fields. Award criteria and eligible academic levels vary, so review the current application information.

  • High school
  • University
  • Engineering & robotics
  • Automotive
Review SAE scholarships

These are independently run programs, organizations, and scholarships, not Makers in Motion offerings. Dates, cost, eligibility, and availability can change. Confirm current details with each organization, school, or local program before applying.