Embedded Files
STLP partnerships are not viewed as vendor gifts/donations for any competitive purposes with services provided to schools, districts, and/or KDE.
Students Exploring the KyGoPlay Makerspace at the 2026 STLP State Championship
A Tiered Approach to Participation
A Tiered Approach to Participation
Organizations can support STLP in a variety of ways, ranging from smaller commitments to opportunities that require significant planning, staffing, communication, and follow-through. Organizations are welcome and encouraged to participate in more than one opportunity based on their goals, resources, and expertise.
To help organizations identify the best fit, STLP partnership opportunities are organized into four tiers of involvement. Partners are encouraged to choose the level of participation that aligns with their capacity, timeline, expertise, and ability to successfully deliver a high-quality experience. A smaller commitment executed well is always more valuable than a larger commitment that becomes difficult to sustain. Many organizations begin with a manageable role and expand their involvement over time as the partnership grows.
Tier 1: Event Volunteer Support
Tier 1: Event Volunteer Support
Best for organizations that want to support STLP but are not ready to design or lead a full activity or competition.
Best for organizations that want to support STLP but are not ready to design or lead a full activity or competition.
Organizations may provide staff members to serve as volunteers during STLP events. These volunteers may help as project judges, challenge assistants, event support volunteers, or general student experience volunteers.
Possible roles include:
Possible roles include:
Project judging
Challenge judging
Virtual judging of online competitions
STLPx activity support
Student check-in or traffic flow support
Event information stations
General volunteer support during STLP State
Partner responsibilities:
Partner responsibilities:
Organizations providing volunteers are responsible for:
Identifying reliable staff members who can serve for the assigned time
Ensuring volunteers understand the student-centered nature of STLP
Making sure volunteers arrive on time and stay for the full commitment
Following all event instructions, schedules, and expectations
Communicating any issues as early as possible
Commitment level:
Commitment level:
This is the lightest organizational commitment, but it still matters. STLP events depend on volunteers being present, prepared, and dependable. When a volunteer role is assigned, students and event staff are counting on that person to be there.
Benefits to the organization:
Benefits to the organization:
Directly support students and educators
Give staff a meaningful service experience
Learn more about STLP from the inside
Build goodwill with Kentucky’s education technology community
Experience the energy and scale of STLP State before considering a larger role
Tier 2: STLPx Learning Experience Host
Tier 2: STLPx Learning Experience Host
Best for organizations ready to create a hands-on, student-facing activity connected to technology and learning.
Best for organizations ready to create a hands-on, student-facing activity connected to technology and learning.
STLPx, the STLP Experience, is a special area of the STLP State Championship where students participate in hands-on activities tied to the Kentucky Academic Standards for Technology. These experiences should be active, engaging, student-friendly, and connected to real technology skills or concepts.
An STLPx station is not a promotional booth. It should not be designed as a sales table, product display, or passive demonstration. Students should do something, make something, solve something, test something, explore something, or demonstrate understanding through the activity.
Strong STLPx activities may include:
Strong STLPx activities may include:
Cybersecurity problem-solving activity
Robotics or coding challenge
Digital citizenship scenario
Artificial intelligence prompt or ethics activity
Accessibility testing experience
Data visualization mini-task
Digital storytelling activity
Creative design challenge
Engineering or computational thinking task
Media literacy or misinformation activity
Technology troubleshooting simulation
Partner responsibilities:
Partner responsibilities:
Organizations hosting an STLPx experience are responsible for:
Designing a hands-on activity appropriate for K-12 students
Connecting the activity to at least one Kentucky Academic Standard for Technology
Providing all materials, staffing, supplies, equipment, and setup needs not otherwise provided by STLP
Staffing the station for the full required event window
Creating a positive and welcoming experience for students
Ensuring the activity can handle high student traffic
Meeting planning deadlines set by STLP
Communicating clearly with STLP staff before the event
Following all event rules, safety expectations, and KDE guidelines
Cleaning up the activity area at the end of the event
What STLP/KDE may provide:
What STLP/KDE may provide:
Depending on event logistics, STLP/KDE may provide:
Event space
Basic table/chair setup
Event promotion
Internet access, when available
Basic AV support, when available
Inclusion in STLPx materials or event information
Guidance on standards alignment and student experience design
Specific resources depend on venue capacity, timing, and event needs. Partners should plan to be self-sufficient unless a resource has been confirmed by STLP.
Commitment level:
Commitment level:
This is a moderate commitment. Once STLPx activities are announced to students, schools, and coaches, partners must be prepared to follow through. STLP cannot promote an activity to thousands of students and then have it disappear at the last minute.
Partners should be confident they have the staffing, supplies, internal approval, and organizational support needed before committing to host an STLPx experience.
Benefits to the organization:
Benefits to the organization:
High-visibility engagement with students from across Kentucky
Meaningful interaction with educators, coaches, families, and school leaders
Opportunity to demonstrate commitment to student learning
Direct connection to the Kentucky Academic Standards for Technology
A chance to show how the organization’s work supports real student skills
Stronger relationship with Kentucky’s education technology community
Positive, hands-on engagement rather than passive marketing
Tier 3: STLP Challenge or Competition Partner
Tier 3: STLP Challenge or Competition Partner
Best for organizations ready to develop, sponsor, and lead a branded competition or challenge connected to their expertise.
Best for organizations ready to develop, sponsor, and lead a branded competition or challenge connected to their expertise.
STLP Challenges give students additional opportunities to compete, create, solve problems, and demonstrate learning. Some challenges are held live at STLP State. Others may include an online submission process before State, with finalists invited to compete or be recognized in person.
Challenge partners may help create a new competition area or support an existing one. Examples of this type of partnership include technology-based competitions connected to robotics, coding, Minecraft, cybersecurity, data, digital design, engineering, media production, artificial intelligence, or other technology-rich fields.
These opportunities may carry the name of the partner organization in the challenge title when appropriate and approved by STLP.
Partner responsibilities:
Partner responsibilities:
Organizations leading an STLP Challenge are responsible for:
Proposing a clear challenge concept
Designing the competition structure
Aligning the challenge to student learning and the Kentucky Academic Standards for Technology
Creating student-facing rules and instructions
Developing scoring criteria and a judging rubric in collaboration with STLP
Communicating expectations clearly to participating STLP coaches
Providing any needed challenge-specific materials, equipment, platforms, licenses, or supplies
Staffing the challenge during online and/or in-person phases
Managing judging or helping secure qualified judges
Meeting all planning and publication deadlines
Being present and prepared at STLP State, if the challenge includes a live component
Coordinating with STLP on awards, recognition, schedules, room setup, and student flow
Following KDE/STLP expectations related to student privacy, safety, accessibility, and appropriate content
What STLP/KDE may provide:
What STLP/KDE may provide:
Depending on the challenge and event design, STLP/KDE may provide:
Space at STLP State
Inclusion in STLP competition materials
Promotion through STLP communication channels
Basic AV or internet support, when available
Trophies or awards, when approved
Registration support or coordination guidance
Alignment with the broader STLP competition structure
Consultation on student experience, timelines, and rubrics
Commitment level:
Commitment level:
This is a significant commitment. A challenge or competition becomes part of the official STLP experience. Students and coaches may spend weeks or months preparing for it.
Because of that, partners must treat this commitment seriously. Once a challenge is approved, published, and promoted, the partner organization is expected to follow through fully.
Organizations considering this level of involvement should be ready to assign a lead contact, meet deadlines, provide staff, support communications, and remain actively engaged from planning through completion.
Benefits to the organization:
Benefits to the organization:
Strong visibility through a named student competition or challenge
Direct connection between the organization’s expertise and student learning
Meaningful engagement with motivated students and coaches
Opportunity to inspire future talent in a field connected to the organization’s work
Positive association with statewide innovation, creativity, and student leadership
Deeper relationship with Kentucky educators and education technology leaders
A visible demonstration of commitment to Kentucky’s K-12 students
Tier 4: Year-Round STLP Learning Partner
Tier 4: Year-Round STLP Learning Partner
Best for organizations interested in supporting STLP beyond a single event.
Best for organizations interested in supporting STLP beyond a single event.
Some organizations may wish to support STLP throughout the school year through mentorship, resource development, webinars, learning activities, online challenges, teacher/coach support, or other approved opportunities.
Year-round partners help extend STLP beyond the State Championship and contribute to student learning across the project cycle.
Possible year-round partnership activities include:
Possible year-round partnership activities include:
Hosting a student webinar connected to technology skills
Providing coach training or support resources
Developing a standards-aligned learning activity
Supporting online challenge opportunities
Offering mentorship for student project teams
Creating student-friendly career connection resources
Providing expertise related to emerging technology topics
Helping schools understand real-world applications of technology
Partner responsibilities:
Partner responsibilities:
Year-round partners are responsible for:
Working with STLP to define the scope of support
Creating student-appropriate and educator-friendly materials
Aligning activities to STLP goals and Kentucky Academic Standards for Technology
Meeting agreed-upon timelines
Avoiding sales-driven content or product promotion
Providing staff or subject matter experts as agreed
Following KDE/STLP expectations for student interaction, privacy, accessibility, and communication
Commitment level:
Commitment level:
This commitment varies depending on the activity. Some year-round supports may be simple and limited. Others may require a larger planning process. In all cases, partners should be clear about what they can realistically provide and should follow through on agreed commitments.
Benefits to the organization:
Benefits to the organization:
Build long-term relationships with STLP schools and educators
Support learning before, during, and after major STLP events
Help students connect classroom learning to real careers and technology fields
Demonstrate ongoing commitment to Kentucky education
Contribute expertise in a way that supports statewide student opportunity
Tier 4: Year-Round STLP Learning Partner
Tier 4: Year-Round STLP Learning Partner
Best for organizations interested in supporting STLP beyond a single event.
Best for organizations interested in supporting STLP beyond a single event.
Some organizations may wish to support STLP throughout the school year through mentorship, resource development, webinars, learning activities, online challenges, teacher/coach support, or other approved opportunities.
Year-round partners help extend STLP beyond the State Championship and contribute to student learning across the project cycle.
Possible year-round partnership activities include:
Possible year-round partnership activities include:
Hosting a student webinar connected to technology skills
Providing coach training or support resources
Developing a standards-aligned learning activity
Supporting online challenge opportunities
Offering mentorship for student project teams
Creating student-friendly career connection resources
Providing expertise related to emerging technology topics
Helping schools understand real-world applications of technology
Partner responsibilities:
Partner responsibilities:
Year-round partners are responsible for:
Working with STLP to define the scope of support
Creating student-appropriate and educator-friendly materials
Aligning activities to STLP goals and Kentucky Academic Standards for Technology
Meeting agreed-upon timelines
Avoiding sales-driven content or product promotion
Providing staff or subject matter experts as agreed
Following KDE/STLP expectations for student interaction, privacy, accessibility, and communication
Commitment level:
Commitment level:
This commitment varies depending on the activity. Some year-round supports may be simple and limited. Others may require a larger planning process. In all cases, partners should be clear about what they can realistically provide and should follow through on agreed commitments.
Benefits to the organization:
Benefits to the organization:
Build long-term relationships with STLP schools and educators
Support learning before, during, and after major STLP events
Help students connect classroom learning to real careers and technology fields
Demonstrate ongoing commitment to Kentucky education
Contribute expertise in a way that supports statewide student opportunity
Tier 4: Year-Round STLP Learning Partner
Tier 4: Year-Round STLP Learning Partner
Best for organizations interested in supporting STLP beyond a single event.
Best for organizations interested in supporting STLP beyond a single event.
Some organizations may wish to support STLP throughout the school year through mentorship, resource development, webinars, learning activities, online challenges, teacher/coach support, or other approved opportunities.
Year-round partners help extend STLP beyond the State Championship and contribute to student learning across the project cycle.
Possible year-round partnership activities include:
Possible year-round partnership activities include:
Hosting a student webinar connected to technology skills
Providing coach training or support resources
Developing a standards-aligned learning activity
Supporting online challenge opportunities
Offering mentorship for student project teams
Creating student-friendly career connection resources
Providing expertise related to emerging technology topics
Helping schools understand real-world applications of technology
Partner responsibilities:
Partner responsibilities:
Year-round partners are responsible for:
Working with STLP to define the scope of support
Creating student-appropriate and educator-friendly materials
Aligning activities to STLP goals and Kentucky Academic Standards for Technology
Meeting agreed-upon timelines
Avoiding sales-driven content or product promotion
Providing staff or subject matter experts as agreed
Following KDE/STLP expectations for student interaction, privacy, accessibility, and communication
Commitment level:
Commitment level:
This commitment varies depending on the activity. Some year-round supports may be simple and limited. Others may require a larger planning process. In all cases, partners should be clear about what they can realistically provide and should follow through on agreed commitments.
Benefits to the organization:
Benefits to the organization:
Build long-term relationships with STLP schools and educators
Support learning before, during, and after major STLP events
Help students connect classroom learning to real careers and technology fields
Demonstrate ongoing commitment to Kentucky education
Contribute expertise in a way that supports statewide student opportunity
Choosing the Right Level of Commitment
Choosing the Right Level of Commitment
Organizations should be realistic about capacity. STLP welcomes big ideas, but the best partnerships are the ones that are well-planned, student-centered, and dependable.
A smaller commitment done well is better than a larger commitment that becomes difficult to sustain.
Organizations may want to begin with event volunteer support or an STLPx activity before developing a full challenge or year-round partnership. Others may already have the staffing, expertise, and resources to propose a competition or statewide learning opportunity.
The right level of partnership depends on the organization’s capacity, expertise, and ability to follow through.
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