Special Olympics Washington and Unified Robotics to Expand Inclusive Robotics Program to All of Washington State
Seattle, United States - August 9, 2025 / Special Olympics Washington /
Special Olympics Washington (SpecialOlympicsWashington.org) has announced an unprecedented expansion of its partnership with Unified Robotics, a nonprofit dedicated to introducing STEM concepts to students with intellectual disabilities. Beginning in the 2025–26 school year, the initiative will broaden access to STEM learning for students of all abilities by leveraging Special Olympics Washington’s statewide network to grow participation in middle and high schools across Washington.
The Unified Robotics program unites 6th–12th grade students from around Washington in an annual eight-week season that concludes in a statewide championship event. In the run-up to the event, students collaborated to design, build, and program a real robot. The process helps develop critical problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and technical literacy while giving more students hands-on experience in a rapidly evolving and relevant field.
As robotics continues to evolve alongside emerging technologies like generative AI, it’s becoming more important than ever to ensure that all students have access to learning opportunities in these fields. Expanding programs like Unified Robotics will help prepare the next generation of Washingtonians for the technology of tomorrow and drive stronger schools and workplaces.
Morgan Larche, Special Olympics Washington’s Director of Unified Champion Schools, said, "We believe that every student, no matter their ability or background, has the right to participate in STEM opportunities within their school. Unified Robotics is the pipeline to make that a reality."
Delaney Locher, Founder and Executive Director of Unified Robotics, added, “The partnership with Special Olympics Washington has been instrumental in expanding Unified Robotics across the state. We are thrilled to continue leveraging robotics as a platform to promote unity and inclusion.
While the Unified Robotics program is school-based, it relies on dedicated mentors. Special Olympics Washington is actively seeking volunteers who are passionate about working with students of all abilities, especially those in rural or underrepresented communities. Mentors are a key part of the competition, helping to shape instruction and reinforce key lessons.
Additional information about the Unified Robotics competition and other Unified Champion Schools programs, including requirements and how to sign up, can be found on the program’s website at schools.specialolympicswashington.org/unified-robotics. Educators interested in adopting the program may also contact program director Morgan Larche at mlarche@sowa.org.
About Special Olympics Washington
Special Olympics Washington provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for thousands of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. In 2025, the organization will celebrate its 50th anniversary by honoring its remarkable legacy in Washington while setting the stage for a stronger, more inclusive future.
Learn more at SpecialOlympicsWashington.org.
About Unified Robotics
Unified Robotics is an inclusive STEM program that brings students of all abilities together to build and program robots for an exciting competition. Unified Robotics creates opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to engage in hands-on STEM learning alongside their peers. The program fosters collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving while promoting inclusion and breaking down barriers. As part of the Unified Champion Schools movement, Unified Robotics continues to grow, inspiring the next generation of engineers and leaders.
For more information, visit unifiedrobotics.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @unifiedrobotics.
Contact Information:
Special Olympics Washington
2815 2nd Ave, Suite 370
Seattle, Washington 98121
United States
Morgan Larch
+1 (206) 362-4949
https://schools.specialolympicswashington.org
