The Academy of Model Aeronautics is excited to announce that registration for the 2027 UAS4STEM season is officially open.
This nationwide drone competition invites middle and high school students to explore the world of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) through hands-on STEM learning and real-world challenges.
WHAT IS UAS4STEM?
UAS4STEM is a drone engineering challenge like no other! Teams build and maintain a custom drone to specifications, learn how to fly, and program for autonomous flight. Beginner division teams complete a UAS4STEM virtual ground school course to learn the basics of safe and legal drone operations. Beginner teams focus on learning to fly missions using ArduPilot Mission Planner software. The scored competition for the Beginner division is conducted virtually. New teams are encouraged to start in the Beginner division, but may opt for Intermediate division based on their experience. Intermediate and Advanced divisions complete a ground school course that prepares them to earn the FAA Remote Pilot Certificate. These teams conduct search missions and design and fabricate a mechanism for the drone to complete specific tasks. A virtual preliminary competition for these two divisions takes place in April, from which the top-scoring teams are invited to the championship competition at the world’s largest airshow, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, Wisconsin, at the end of July.
BEGINNER DIVISION MISSION SUMMARY:
Imagine that your team has been contracted by an advanced air mobility company to design, build, pilot, and maintain a multirotor Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS). Your team must prioritize safety and regulatory compliance. The drone must conduct a waypoint navigation mission while complying with special instructions (SPINS) that are provided prior to the start of the mission. Your team must also plan and deliver a professional presentation (FRR) for judges.
INTERMEDIATE DIVISION MISSION SUMMARY:
Imagine that your team has been contracted to conduct an aerial inspection of a construction site to identify specific objects and potential problems related to the objects. You must also inspect a faulty tower to determine any defects. Based on what you learn from your tower inspection, you will determine which tool can fix the tower. You may then deliver that tool to a moving vehicle (autonomous rover) that simulates a crew on it’s way to repair the tower. Your drone must also conduct a waypoint navigation mission. Your drone must remain within the assigned operational area. Details on how to accomplish these tasks are outlined in this document.
ADVANCED DIVISION MISSION SUMMARY:
Miscellaneous trash is spread across an area that poses a risk to personnel. Your team has been contracted to engineer a drone to remove trash from this area. You will design and fabricate a mechanism for the drone to gather this foreign object debris (FOD) and deliver it into a stationary receptacle. You will also have the option of delivering a piece of FOD to a moving receptacle as proof of concept that may lead to future work opportunities. You must ensure your aircraft remains in the operational area.
Awards & Recognition
Top-performing teams will receive exciting prizes and national recognition:
Beginner Division
- 1st Place: $995, trophy, individual certificates
- 2nd Place: $895, trophy, individual certificates
- 3rd Place: $795, trophy, individual certificates
Intermediate Division
- 1st Place: $1,500, trophy, individual medals, individual certificates, Skydio 2+ Pro drone
- 2nd Place: $1,300, trophy, individual medals, individual certificates, Skydio 2+ Pro drone
- 3rd Place: $1,100, trophy, individual medals, individual certificates
Advanced Division
- 1st Place: $2,500, trophy, individual medals, individual certificates, Skydio X-10 drone
- 2nd Place: $2,000, trophy, individual medals, individual certificates Skydio 2+ Pro drone
- 3rd Place: $1,500, trophy, individual medals, individual certificates
Special Recognition
- Dewey O. Broberg Jr. Award: $500
- Gardner Chambliss Mentor Award
Key Dates for the 2027 Season
- Teams may begin meeting at any time.
- Virtual meetings for team managers will be held on the second Monday of each month at 7:00 PM ET. These sessions are recorded for those unable to attend.
- Registration for the 2026-2027 season opens September 1, 2026
- Registration deadline is January 12, 2027
- Roster completion deadline is January 19, 2027
- Final payment for registration is due March 31, 2027
- Intermediate and Advanced Virtual Prelims Ground School completion deadline – April 1, 2027
- The Intermediate and Advanced divisions UAS4STEM virtual preliminary competition will be held April 14-April 28. Each team will book a 50-minute time slot during that window.
- Beginner Virtual Prelims Ground School completion deadline – May 1, 2027
- The Beginner division UAS4STEM virtual competition will be held May 12-26. Each team will book a 50-minute time slot during that window.
- Ground School Re‑Check for Intermediate and Advanced Championship Competition – July 1, 2027
- Top-scoring teams will be invited to the in-person championship competition held July 26-28, 2027 at AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
This program not only enhances technical knowledge but also fosters creativity, collaboration, and leadership. Teams engage with mentors, connect with peers, and Intermediate and Advanced divisions have the chance to compete in-person at EAA AirVenture.
Prepare your team, plan your strategy, and get ready for an unforgettable season of innovation and achievement!
If you are interested in registering for UAS4STEM, you can do so here: https://uas4stem.regfox.com/2027-uas4stem-drone-competition
If you have any questions regarding UAS4STEM, reach out to our team at AMAUAS4STEM@modelaircraft.org.