Students from across the country traveled to Oshkosh, Wisconsin during EAA AirVenture 2026 for more than just the world’s largest celebration of aviation. They came to put months of hard work to the test at the UAS4STEM 2026 Finals Competition.
UAS4STEM is the Academy of Model Aeronautics’ premier drone engineering competition, challenging middle and high school students to design, build, program, and fly an uncrewed aircraft system while solving real-world mission scenarios. Open to school groups, Civil Air Patrol squadrons, scouting organizations, community teams, and anyone with an interest in aerospace, the program combines hands-on engineering with autonomous flight, technical flight skills, Flight Readiness Reviews, and teamwork.
At the Finals Competition, every team demonstrated autonomous programming skills and used onboard technology to identify QR codes that represented objects within the mission environment. Success required careful planning, clear communication, and the perseverance to troubleshoot challenges throughout the competition.
The week kicked off on Sunday, July 19, when teams gathered for a welcome pizza party. It was an opportunity for students, coaches, volunteers, and staff to meet one another before the competition officially began.
Competition activities started on Monday, July 20, with Flight Operations and Flight Readiness Reviews continuing through Tuesday, July 22. During this time, teams demonstrated their aircraft, completed technical evaluations, and prepared for their mission flights.
On Wednesday, July 23, everyone took a well-deserved break to enjoy a “DroNut Party” complete with donuts, coffee, and plenty of fun! The competition concluded with the UAS4STEM Awards Presentation on the Main Flight Line on Wednesday, July 23, just before the evening air show. Surrounded by the excitement of AirVenture, students were recognized for their accomplishments and celebrated another successful year of competition.
Beginner Division
Beginner teams completed a simulated construction site inspection mission. Using autonomous flight and onboard technology, they located and identified a construction defect before completing the mission.
Teams competing in the Beginner Division included:
- 1430 Guide-Ons (Herndon, VA)
- 1430 Knights (Oakton, VA)
- Neuqua Valley Blue (Naperville, IL)
- Neuqua Valley Gold (Naperville, IL)
- Redstone Bravo (Huntsville, AL)
After a close competition, Neuqua Valley Gold earned the Beginner Division national championship. Redstone Bravofinished in second place, while 1430 Knights secured third.
Advanced Division
Advanced teams tackled a more demanding simulated construction inspection mission. In addition to autonomous flight and object identification, they designed, engineered, and built their own payload mechanism capable of picking up, transporting, and delivering a hammer to a designated location during the mission.
Teams competing in the Advanced Division included:
- 55 Knights (Brambleton, VA)
- AeroDactyls (Deerfield, IL)
- Scio Flyers (Dexter, MI)
- Skyward Eagles (Apex, NC)
- Some Assembly Required (Mount Airy, MD)
- St. Mary’s Civil Air Patrol (Lexington Park, MD)
Some Assembly Required claimed first place in the Advanced Division, followed by AeroDactyls in second and Skyward Eagles in third.
In addition to the divisional awards, the Dewey O. Broberg Jr. Memorial Scholarship was presented by the competition judges to recognize a student who exemplified dedication to their team, determination, and commitment to the rules and purpose of the competition. This year’s recipient was Jane C. from Some Assembly Required.
Congratulations to every team that qualified for the 2026 UAS4STEM Finals Competition. Advancing to the national stage is an incredible accomplishment that takes months of hard work, dedication, problem-solving, and teamwork. Whether teams returned home with a trophy or new ideas for next season, each competitor demonstrated the innovation, perseverance, and passion for STEM that make UAS4STEM such a rewarding program.
Standby as we make some exciting changes for next year, and keep checking back on the blog to stay in touch. We’re so excited to share all the new and exciting things happening with our favorite drone engineering challenge!
If you’re interested in bringing UAS4STEM to your school, organization, or community, visit the UAS4STEM website to learn more about the program and explore the New Team Guide. For questions about getting started, contact the AMA Education team at AMAUAS4STEM@modelaircraft.org. We’d love to help you become part of the growing UAS4STEM community.
