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USEL CTE Program

Career Training in AI, Business & STEM Leadership

The Official Program of the USA National Robotics Team

Launch Your Career in AI, Business & STEM

Are you ready to gain real-world skills, explore career opportunities, and make an impact in STEM and business? This exclusive CTE program gives you hands-on training in AI, technology, and leadership — setting you up for internships and future success!

USEL Robot

Build. Code. Innovate.

Get hands-on with real robotics and AI technology used in today's industries. Our CTE program combines cutting-edge STEM education with practical skills that prepare you for the careers of tomorrow.

From programming robots to building AI-powered solutions, you'll work with the same tools and technologies used by professionals in the field.

Powered by the USA National Robotics Team

Program Details

Grades 9–12 • San Bernardino County

Dates

Now Through Summer 2026

Schedule

Mon & Wed | 5:00 – 7:00 PM

Location

9051 Rochester Ave, Rancho Cucamonga

Who Can Join?

Currently enrolled in any high school in San Bernardino County

Interested in learning more about STEM, robotics, and AI

Able to attend weekly in-person meetings at our Rancho Cucamonga office

Why Join the CTE Program?

  • Stand Out — Gain real-world experience that sets you apart on college applications and resumes
  • Learn Cutting-Edge Skills — Master AI tools and business strategies used in today's industries
  • Build Your Future — Strengthen your resume, college applications, and professional portfolio
  • Become a Leader — Develop leadership skills in STEM and technology that last a lifetime

Spots are limited — Secure yours today!

USEL Students in Action
Students Building the Future
USEL STEM Activities
Hands-On STEM Learning

Master AI & Business Innovation

Use AI to perform business tasks efficiently and learn how companies leverage technology to stay competitive.

Create custom chatbots that specialize in different industries — from customer service to education and beyond.

Exclusive Perks

Receive your official USEL CTE Jersey as a program member.

Earn a Certificate of Achievement from the USA National Robotics Team upon completion.

Internship & Career Readiness

Earn a Summer Internship at USEL in roles that give you real professional experience:

Peer MentorCommunication SpecialistCurriculum DesignerProduct TesterProgram Manager

Leadership & Problem-Solving

Learn goal-setting techniques to achieve success quickly and build habits that carry into your career.

Gain real-world mentoring experience by helping younger students learn coding, robotics, and engineering.

I love building and being able to program robots to do different things. What makes robotics so fun is that we get a hands-on experience and you get to build your own robot.

USEL Robotics Student

Sierra Lakes Elementary School

Apply / Get More Info

Interested in the CTE Program? Fill out the form below and we'll be in touch!

Questions? Contact Us!

Email: info@usengineeringleague.org

Phone: (909) 644-7545

Office: 9051 Rochester Ave, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

Office Hours: Mon-Fri 8AM-4PM

WRO 2026 FAQ

Everything you need to know about the season

Competition Info

How does a WRO season work?

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  • The WRO 2026 season follows this structured competition schedule:
  • Registration Opens: January 2026
  • Game Rules Released: January 15, 2026
  • District Championships (District Partners Only): Ontario, CA · April 17–18, 2026
  • Virginia Open Qualifier: Charlottesville, VA · July 2026 (subject to change)
  • School National Championships (District Partners Only): Ontario, CA · July 24–26, 2026
  • USEL Affiliate Cup: Aurora, IL · August 7-9, 2026 (subject to change)
  • US Open Championships: Ontario, CA · September 24–28, 2026
  • Open Championship: Asia & Pacific: Delhi, India · September 25–27, 2026
  • Open Championship: Europe: Zagreb, Croatia · October 13–16, 2026
  • International Final: San Juan, Puerto Rico · December 8–10, 2026

How do I register a team for the competition?

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  • To participate in WRO competitions, you need one of two affiliate passes:
  • Season Pass (Tier 1): For parents, schools, or organizations registering one team. Includes one team registration, eligibility to register for the Affiliate Cup and Regional Open Qualifiers (separate fees apply), and access to official WRO materials.
  • Event Organizer Pass (Tier 2): For organizations wanting to host their own WRO events. Allows you to host sanctioned Regional Open Qualifiers, register unlimited teams to your own events at no additional USEL fee, and apply to host next year's Affiliate Cup.
  • District Championships & School National Championships: Exclusive to school partners—affiliates cannot register for these events.
  • Visit the USEL Store to purchase your Season Pass or Event Organizer Pass.
  • A signed data protection form is required when submitting team member details.

What is the difference between the Season Pass and Event Organizer Pass?

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  • Season Pass: Includes one team registration and allows you to purchase additional registrations at a reduced cost. Grants eligibility to register for the Affiliate Cup and Regional Open Qualifiers (separate registration fees apply for each event).
  • Event Organizer Pass: Allows organizations to host their own sanctioned WRO events, register unlimited teams to their own events at no additional USEL fee, and apply to host Regional Open Qualifiers or next year's Affiliate Cup.
  • If you participate through an Event Organizer's hosted events, you may not need your own Season Pass for those specific events.

What is the USEL Affiliate Cup?

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  • The USEL Affiliate Cup is a national level competition held in Aurora, IL that awards USA National Robotics Team qualification spots to both the International Finals and the Americas Open Championship.
  • The Affiliate Cup replaces the traditional US Nationals for teams outside of partnered public school districts.
  • International Finals qualification spots from the Affiliate Cup:
  • RoboMission – one team from each age group
  • RoboSports – one qualifying team
  • Future Innovators – one qualifying team
  • Future Engineers – one qualifying team
  • Event Organizers may apply to host next year's Affiliate Cup.

How do Regional Open Qualifiers work?

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  • Regional Open Qualifiers are hosted by Event Organizers and award qualification spots to the WRO Americas Open Championship.
  • All Regional Open Qualifiers must be approved by USEL before being held.
  • Important: Regional Open Qualifiers do NOT award spots to the International Finals—only the Affiliate Cup does.
  • Event Organizers can apply to host Regional Open Qualifiers through USEL.

Can a team compete at both the Americas Open and International Finals?

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  • No. Starting this season, teams are no longer allowed to compete at both events.
  • You must choose one path: either the WRO Americas Open Championship or the WRO International Finals.
  • The Affiliate Cup awards spots to both competitions, while Regional Open Qualifiers only award spots to the Americas Open Championship.

Do I need my own robot?

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  • Yes, teams must provide their own robot.
  • All robot systems are now allowed in all WRO categories for 2026!
  • Each category has specific size and weight requirements (e.g., RoboMission: max 25x25x25cm, RoboSports: max 20x20x20cm and 1.2kg, Future Engineers: max 30x20x30cm).

How much does it cost to participate in WRO?

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  • Participation requires purchasing either a Season Pass or Event Organizer Pass from the USEL Store.
  • The Season Pass and Event Organizer Pass grant eligibility to participate. Registration fees for the Affiliate Cup and Regional Open Qualifiers are separate and vary by event.
  • Event Organizers do not pay USEL per-team fees to register teams to their own hosted events.
  • For teams qualifying for international competitions, additional fees apply.
Exhibitor Information

Move-in Date and Time

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  • District Championships (Ontario, CA · April 17–18, 2026): Day before event from 10 AM - 4 PM OR morning of event from 7 AM - 9 AM
  • School National Championships (Ontario, CA · July 24–26, 2026): Day before event from 10 AM - 4 PM
  • Affiliate Cup (Aurora, IL · August 8, 2026): Day before event from 10 AM - 4 PM
  • Please check specific event details closer to the date for exact times and locations.

How many booths are available for exhibitors?

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  • District Championships: Up to 15 standard 10x10 booths can fit.
  • School National Championships / Affiliate Cup: More space is available, allowing for double the booths.
  • Contact USEL for specific booth availability at each event.

Is parking included for exhibitors?

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  • Yes, exhibitors receive one parking pass. Additional passes can be requested.

Will there be WiFi and electricity?

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  • Yes, WiFi and electricity will be available at all competition venues.