Application Process
2025-2026 Season

To Apply Now!

Applications Due 3/9/2025, by 4:00 pm

To start the application process, join the ViperBots Google Classroom.

Rookie Application Google Classroom
Google Classroom Code - 25pznzb

ROOKIES: USE YOUR NON-LEANDER ISD GOOGLE ACCOUNT/EMAIL.

Then, complete all 4 parts of the application process

• Applicant Information Form

• Online Application

• 3 Essays

• 2 Google Slide Video Submissions

Thank you for your interest in the Vandegrift High School ViperBots! 

ViperBots Robotics provides students the opportunity to engage in engineering, science, technology, marketing, and business skills in a high-energy, highly competitive environment. ViperBots Robotics motivates students from all walks of life to develop skills through participating in a real life, hands-on experience. ViperBots Robotics has competed in FIRST Robotics since 2010. FIRST exposes students to engineering, fabrication, programming, web design, photography, presentations, writing, marketing, business processes, and much more. Studies have shown that participants in FIRST are:

• Three times more likely to major in engineering.

• Ten times more likely to have had an internship or co-op in their freshman year of college.

• More than twice as likely to pursue a career in science or technology

• More than twice as likely to volunteer in their communities.

ViperBots Robotics is like any other highly competitive high school extracurricular activity.  It requires commitment, dedication, time, and energy. We participate in two different FIRST programs: FIRST Tech Challenge and FIRST Robotics Competition. Both programs are varsity-level UIL Robotics and have different time commitments and competition seasons. Students may only participate in one program as their seasons overlap.

If you are NOT currently enrolled in Leander ISD, please email elizabeth.lewey@leanderisd.org, and we will send you instructions on how to apply.  

MISSED the Required Applicant/Parent Meeting?

Check the ViperBots Calendar for Google Meet links to virtual meetings on February 26 or 27 or March 4 or 5. Students and parents who have follow up questions or who did not attend the required meeting on February 13th should plan to attend one of these virtual meetings.

Required Applicant/Parent Meeting

All applicants are required to attend the Applicant/Parent meeting on 2/13/2025 in the Vandegrift Cafeteria at 6:30 pm.  ViperBots advisors discuss specific program expectations, the application process, selection procedures, and application exclusions.  Applicants that submit an application without attendance to this meeting will not be considered.  If you live outside of the Austin, Texas area, you can email elizabeth.lewey@leanderisd.org for the Google Meet link.

Required FTC/FRC Rookie Camp Attendance

All rookie FTC members are REQUIRED to attend Training Camp 5/26 - 5/30 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
All rookie FRC members are REQUIRED to attend Training Camp 5/26 - 5/30 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Application Timeline

2/13 Required Applicant Meeting @ 6:30 pm (Vandegrift Cafeteria)

2/23 FTC & FRC Applications Released

3/9 FTC & FRC Applications Due no later than 4:00 pm

3/23 FTC Acceptance Notifications via email

4/7 FTC Participation Fee Due

4/21 FRC Interviews Start

4/23 FRC Roster Announcement

4/25 ViperBots Org Meeting: FTC/FRC Team 

   Reveal @ 5:30 pm & Parent Meeting @ 

   6:30pm (Vandegrift Cafeteria)

5/5 FRC Participation Fee Due

5/26 FTC & FRC Rookie Camp Starts (yes, Monday, Memorial Day)

5/30 FTC Rookie Camp Tournament & Showcase

Program Details - Links

• Information and Guidelines for Parents / Guardians

• Fees

• FIRST Program Description (FTC/FRC)

Applications, Submissions, Deadlines, and Selections

Applications with missing or inaccurate information, students with a most recent un-weighted GPA of less than 3.5, excessive absences, or disciplinary issues deemed to be unbecoming of FIRST or ViperBots Robotics will be excluded from eligibility. Applications submitted by incoming freshman will be evaluated based on a GPA calculation from records provided by the middle school. All applications will be reviewed by a selection committee consisting of faculty/staff at Vandegrift High School. Based on this review, the best FTC applicants will be selected and notified by email on 3/23. Based on this review, the best FRC applicants will be advanced to Faculty & Mentor interviews that run from 4/21 - 4/23. FRC applicants not receiving an interview will be notified by email on 4/21.

ViperBots Robotics participation is limited by available faculty coaches, facilities capacity, and team size. Hard decisions must be made and ultimately not everyone that applies will be accepted. 

Late applications and/or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Questions about the application and submission process may be directed to elizabeth.lewey@leanderisd.org.