International Robotics Honor Society Chapter Member Application

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 accredited graduation honors for their participation in a host of high school robotics competitions. Chapter advisors are obligated to use a rigorous selection process that ensures each chapter member represents the pillars of the IRHS including academics, personal character, and community service. 

Sample Application Documents

To assist chapter advisors in creating their application, the REC Foundation has developed student application resources and examples that can be used as-is, or be modified to meet the needs of individual schools. Chapter advisors may also choose to create their own unique application process, so long as it also collects the information required by the IRHS.

Chapter Member Application Requirements

Like many other honors societies, the IRHS collects information to identify chapter members for accreditation and reporting to higher educational institutions. Chapter advisors will be required to provide the following information for each selected chapter member to the REC Foundation through the Advisor’s IRHS dashboard at RobotEvents.com:

  • First and last name
  • Address
  • Phone number
  • Date of birth
  • Anticipated graduation year
  • Email address
  • Cumulative grade point average (GPA)

Considerations for Chapter Member Applications

Chapter advisors can require any level of reasonable information collection that their individual school or organization permits to assist in the selection process. There are many commonly used approaches for gathering information in addition to an application, such as:

  • Transcripts or official grade report
  • Teacher or coach recommendation
  • Secondary recommendation 
  • Guidance counselor recommendation
  • Principal or Dean verification 
  • In-person interviews

Sample Application Questions

Providing prompts that offer applicants the opportunity to reflect on their experiences is a valuable way for chapter advisors to gather information and make selections. Chapter advisors are encouraged to use some of these prompts to supplement their applications.

Personal Character 

  • What does being a leader mean to you?
  • Explain how you see yourself as a leader in the STEM fields.
  • How has your participation in competitive robotics/drones has helped you?
  • Recount an experience in which your leadership skills were tested and explain how you reacted.
  • Why do you believe that you should be selected for membership in the IRHS?
  • What makes you a unique candidate for membership in the IRHS?

Academics

  • Record the extracurriculars you have participated in throughout high school, with STEM-focused activities listed first.
  • Describe how you balance academic achievement with your other hobbies and interests.

Community Service

  • Provide details of one or two of the most meaningful unpaid community service experiences that you have participated in.
  • Describe the kinds of service learning projects that you think our IRHS chapter should take part in this year.
  • Explain why volunteering and service are important to you and how it impacts our community. 

Chapter Officer Application Addendum

Students who wish to have an increased level of leadership and dedication to their IRHS chapter can apply for a chapter officer position. Advisors should offer this opportunity to all eligible chapter members and may choose to include it in conjunction with their standard chapter member application, or as a separate process. 

Additional information on chapter officer responsibilities and expectations can be found in the IRHS Advisor’s Guide