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International Robotics Honor Society

Students with exceptional academic standing have the opportunity to apply for membership in a local chapter of the International Robotics Honor Society (IRHS) to earn nationally recognized graduation honors for their participation in a host of high school robotics competitions.
While each chapter can develop their own local objectives, the primary goal of the IRHS is to elevate the profile of student participation in robotics at the school, district, and national levels and encourage more students to strive toward academic excellence in the STEM fields. This is achieved through character development, participation in service opportunities, and involvement in robotics programs.

Learn More

Please visit the International Robotics Honor Society section of the REC Library for additional resources and information.
IRHS in the REC Library
International Robotics Honor Society logo

Apply for Membership

Application Period: July 1-September 30, 2025.
Annual Dues: $200
Apply

IRHS History at a Glance

International Robotics Honor Society

Established by the REC Foundation in 2018

Growth Over Time

2020-2021
17 Chapters
2021-2022
39 Chapters
2022-2023
41 Chapters
2023-2024
61 Chapters
2024-2025
86 Chapters

Current Membership

86 active Chapters, representing five nations
International Robotics Honor Society students working

Benefits of the International Robotics Honor Society

Earn Graduation Honors in Competitive Robotics

The RECF provides IRHS accreditation and hosts a collection of resources and knowledge-based articles to assist students and advisors in the establishment and operation of local chapters.
The International Robotics Honor Society recognizes students not only for their efforts on competitive robotics teams, but for academics, personal character, and community service.
Students have the opportunity to earn accredited graduation honors for their participation in a host of high school robotics competitions.
Robotics team poses with their robots

IRHS Objectives

Academic Excellence

The national minimum standard for scholarship is a cumulative scholastic average of at least 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) or the equivalent standard of excellence.

Character Development

Students must demonstrate evidence of significant leadership accomplishments, service to school and community, and good character.

Community Service

Each chapter completes one or more annual service learning projects that provide unique opportunities for chapter members to assist their community while promoting STEM education and involvement.

Competitive Robotics

The IRHS is open to many competitive programs, including, but not limited to:
VEX Robotics Competition
FIRST Robotics Competition
FIRST Tech Challenge
BEST Robotics
Aerial Drone Competition
SeaPerch
MATE ROV Competition

Chapter Leadership

Empowering Minds, Inspiring Futures

Teacher leads a class
Administrator
Oversees the program and supports the chapter advisor.
Mentor and student work on a report
Chapter Advisor
Manages day-to-day duties and is involved in competitive robotics.
The educators pose in a hallway
Faculty Council
Assists with student member selection and discipline.

Student Officers

President
Leads the chapter, meetings, and service projects
Vice President
Assists the chapter President in all official chapter business
Secretary
Creates meeting agendas, minutes, and attendance records
Treasurer
Keeps records of chapter funds and works with the chapter advisor to manage budgets and funding
Historian
Maintains documentation on the history of the organization

Important Dates and Deadlines

  • July – December: Applications Open
  • October-January – IRHS Online Challenge Award Submissions
  • December – REC Foundation Announces Selected Chapters
  • February – Payment Deadline for Annual Dues
  • May-June – End of Year Reporting
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2025-2026 Signature Event Updates

  1. An Event Partner wanting to apply to host a Signature Event must have hosted events for at least 2 seasons prior to applying. 
  2. Signature Events must use the officially branded award banners for the Excellence Award and Tournament/Teamwork Champions Award.
  3. When hanging field skirts the VEX Robotics logo/brand name can not be covered up on the competition fields.
  4. VEX V5 Robotics Competition Signature Events may have regional capacity and max per organization restrictions lifted 8 weeks before the event if the event is not full (similar to the process already in place for VEX IQ Robotics Competition Signature Events).
  5. Minimum pit size reduced to 8’x 8’ instead of 10’x10’.
  6. Beginning in the 2025-2026 season, the REC Foundation will collect $10 instead of $5 per team registration on all Signature Events. This is to help offset travel costs for REC Foundation staff to support these larger events.

2025-2026 Signature Event Application Reminders

  1. Existing Signature Events only need to complete the Final Application (due by March 31, 2025)
  2. New Signature Event concepts will need to complete the Initial Proposal by January 31, 2025 and if approved, complete the Final Application by March 31, 2025.
Crowd watches the Signature Event in Minnesota's Mall of America
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