STLP State Championship is April 24, 2026

STATE
CHAMPIONSHIP

Since the beginning of STLP, project based learning has been at the core of the program.  Projects offer an opportunity for STLP students to observe a need in their school or community and utilize technology to develop and implement a solution.  This journey is based on the vision of the students and (with the guidance of the STLP Coach), active, authentic, cooperative, inquiry-based, and vibrant learning will occur throughout the process.

Jump to State Championship Event Info Page
STLP student champions celebrat3e their win holding trophy and raising victory symbolically overhead
Why STLP State Matters

  • Students become creators, not just consumers, using tools to design, build and share original work. This aligns with the Kentucky Academic Standards for Technology and promotes key skills such as computational thinking, creative communication and global collaboration. 

  • The State Championship celebrates what can happen when teachers, coaches, district technology staff and volunteers join to support student-driven learning. It’s a high-visibility showcase of the passion, leadership and innovation happening in Kentucky’s schools. 

  • Through the event, students build confidence, present publicly, collaborate with peers, and engage in a community of practice around learning and technology. It’s as much about learning and leadership as it is about competition. 

  • STLP State is a vivid example of what vibrant learning looks like in Kentucky, and bringing thousands of student leaders together in one place creates a spark that energizes students and inspires the adults who support them.

The STLP State Championship matters because it elevates student voice, honors real learning, and shows the state what’s possible when Kentucky’s kids lead with skill, creativity, and purpose.

Celebrating Students

We utilize the entire Central Bank Center/Rupp Arena complex so students can showcase their learning, lead with technology, and celebrate their accomplishments on a stage worthy of their work and their future.

Hosting STLP State in such a symbolic Kentucky landmark reflects the significance of the event and the value we see in our students.

Who Should Attend?

Everyone is welcome! Of course, consider bringing students who are part of STLP (from elementary through high school) and have created a project, service, or entered a CDA or challenge event. However, non-competition groups are invited, too

  • STLP Coaches, library media specialists, district technology leaders, building administrators, and other staff — supporting their teams and engaging in the learning community,
  • Families and community partners interested in seeing student-led innovation in action,
  • Anyone curious about how schools are integrating technology, student voice and leadership into meaningful, real-world, vibrant learning experiences.
What Happens at the Event

  • Project Presentations: Hundreds of teams present projects and services developed in their school or district that use technology in meaningful ways (for example instructional tools, community service, robotics, digital media). 

  • Creative Digital Arts (CDA): Individuals and teams compete in categories such as digital photography, animation, video, music, augmented reality and storytelling. 

  • Challenges & hands-on experiences: Students engage in live challenge competitions (coding, robotics, media production) and explore immersive stations or experiences that stretch their skills and curiosity. 

  • Recognition & celebration: Award ceremonies highlight the top performers, showcase outstanding work, and invite all participants to celebrate their contributions and growth.

  • Networking & inspiration: The event brings together students, coaches, district staff, families, and industry/community partners, creating a vibrant network that inspires continued innovation.

Benefits for Participants & Schools

  • For students: Visibility for their work, leadership opportunities, feedback from judges and peers, connections with other innovators, and motivation to explore future possibilities

  • For coaches and schools: A keynote event to showcase student achievement, build celebrations around learning, strengthen school/district culture in technology integration, and connect with peers across Kentucky

  • For districts and community partners: Insight into how technology is being leveraged authentically in K-12 learning, and a chance to support and amplify innovation

State Logistics

Ahead of every STLP State Championship, an updated and customized State Info Page will publish that contains all the schedules, details, and logistics needed to prepare for a tremendous experience. The State Info Page for the previous year will remain live so teams can review last year’s champs, until the updated page is released.

How to Prepare

  • Start early: Encourage your students to think about how they can use technology to design something meaningful, not just for school but for their community or for real-world problems.

  • Review the STLP “levels” and project/service/creative categories.

  • Plan for team collaboration, rehearsal of presentation, and readiness for live challenge events.

  • Engage district technology staff, coaches and school leadership to help coordinate plans, logistics, participation and travel.

  • Use the STLP toolkit and resources throughout the year so your students arrive at State ready to shine.

  • Set expectations early for your STLP to attend the full-day event. Work with building and district leaders to secure transportation, funding, and enthusiasm for participation each year! It’s worth it.
Presetners on stage in Rupp Arena for STLP State Championship awards show