Department of Engineering

FIRST Robotics Scholarships

In partnership with FIRST, the Engineering Department of Hofstra University has established a merit-based scholarship program to benefit current high school seniors who have been actively involved on a competing FIRST team and who would like to attend Hofstra University. In order for the selected students to receive these scholarship awards, they must enroll as a full-time student in an undergraduate engineering program of study at Hofstra University.

Hofstra University will award 4 annual merit-based scholarships to active FIRST team members. These scholarships are valued at $1,500 per year for four years of study to high school seniors in the USA. In order for selected students to receive these scholarship awards, they must enroll as a full-time student in an undergraduate engineering or computer science program of study at Hofstra University.

How to Apply - Complete and submit the following:

  • Letter of nomination from FIRST adult team leader
  • Completed Hofstra University application for undergraduate admission, essay, teacher/counselor recommendation, and official high school transcripts
  • High school GPA must be 3.2/4.0 or above
  • Minimum SAT score of 1,200
  • Application materials must be received by the Hofstra University Office of Admissions no later than March 12.

Information or application materials may be obtained from the Office of Admissions by calling 1-800-HOFSTRA or by e-mailing us. You may also access the application online or write to:

Office of Admission
ATTN: FIRST Robotics Scholarship
100 Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY 11549


About the FIRST Robotics Competition

The FIRST Robotics Competition is a national program that challenges teams of students and their mentors to solve a common problem in a six-week time frame using a standard "kit of parts" and a common set of rules. Teams build robots from the parts and enter them in a series of competitions designed by Dean Kamen and Woodie Flowers. The Competition has grown to more than 1,000 teams competing in 23 regional events.

FIRST redefines winning for these students. Teams are rewarded for excellence in design, demonstrated team spirit, gracious professionalism and maturity, and ability to overcome obstacles. Scoring the most points is a secondary goal. Winning means building partnerships that last. For more information, visit the FIRST Web site (www.usfirst.org).

About the SBPLI LI-FIRST Long Island Regional

The School-Business Partnerships of Long Island, Inc. (SBPLI) was founded in 1984 by its President, Fred Breithut, with the goal of developing partnerships between local high schools and businesses that would provide students with practical experience. In 1999, SBPLI founded Long Island FIRST for the purpose of developing a Long Island Regional FIRST Robotics competition. The Long Island Regional has since grown with 40+ teams having competed in the 2005 competition at Hofstra University. The Hofstra Engineering and Computer Science Departments are actively involved in co-hosting the contest.

FIRST Robotics Competition
SBPLI Long Island Regional
Public Agenda
March 26-28, 2009

See video of the 2007 Competition