Orlando, FL — May 22, 2026 — The National Center for Simulation (NCS) will send two student teams to compete in the International SeaPerch Competition in College Park, MD, May 30-31. The NCS SeaPerch teams represent a diverse group of Central Florida middle and high school students, showcasing the power of early investment in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) education.
SeaPerch introduces middle and high school students to robotics through the hands-on construction and piloting of underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). Designed to be low-cost and highly adaptable, the program fosters early interest in engineering and skilled trades while building teamwork and problem-solving skills in classrooms, after-school programs, and community centers.
“The success of our SeaPerch teams reflects the strength of Central Florida’s STEM ecosystem and the importance of sustained investment in education,” said Lana Wallis, Deputy Director of DoD STARBASE CFL. “We are incredibly proud of these students and excited to see them represent our region on an international stage.”
NCS operates and supports DoD STARBASE Central Florida as part of its STEM and workforce development initiatives.
“Participation in SeaPerch is the culmination of a strong educational pipeline developed by NCS to build the future modeling, simulation, and training (MS&T) workforce,” said George Cheros, President/CEO of NCS. ”Our vision is to be ‘the internationally recognized leader in promoting, protecting, and growing the modeling, simulation, and training community.’ One of our core goals is to develop and grow this workforce, starting at an early age with programs such as this. In addition, our strong MS&T ecosystem leads in the development and implementation of leading technology such as AI, VR/AR, and cybersecurity, that is contributing to not only to our National Security but also every other industry sector. ”
As the teams prepare to compete in Maryland, they carry with them not only their technical skills, but also the support of a community dedicated to advancing innovation and education.
This effort is further strengthened through the support of the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD). NAWCTSD’s partnership plays a critical role in enabling programs like SeaPerch to thrive by connecting students with real-world
applications of MS&T technologies. Their continued investment helps ensure that students gain exposure to naval STEAM applications while building the technical skills and workforce awareness necessary to support future mission readiness.
NCS is sending one middle school team and one high school team, with students from Orange County Public Schools, Seminole County Public Schools, Florida Virtual School (FLVS), and homeschool communities. These students are supported by dedicated coaches from the University of Central Florida, who provide mentorship and technical guidance throughout the program. The journey often begins with the DoD STARBASE Central Florida program, a free educational initiative focused on fifth-grade students. STARBASE seeks to ignite curiosity and motivate young learners to explore STEAM opportunities as they continue their education. Through hands-on, engaging activities, students are introduced to real-world applications of science and engineering concepts.
As students grow, NCS continues to provide opportunities through programs like GEMS (Gains in the Education of Mathematics and Science) a U.S. Army-sponsored summer STEM enrichment program for middle and high school students. GEMS offers immersive experiences that deepen students’ understanding of STEM fields and expose them to potential career pathways.
“Many of the students competing in the SeaPerch competition have participated in STARBASE, GEMS, or both, demonstrating the long-term impact of these programs in shaping future innovators,” adds Wallis. “The SeaPerch program challenges students to design, build, and operate underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), fostering teamwork, problem-solving, and engineering skills.”
NCS’s commitment to workforce development extends beyond K–12 education. The organization also provides college students with hands-on learning opportunities, helping them enhance their academic experience while building critical workforce skills. Through networking opportunities and industry engagement, NCS ensures students at every stage are connected to the growing MS&T community.
About the National Center for Simulation (NCS)
The National Center for Simulation is a non-profit trade association that supports and expands the modeling and simulation community. NCS is committed to promoting modeling and simulation technology expansion, education and workforce development, and providing business development assistance to its members. www.simulationinformation.com