Cal Poly Universities’ student-built float, “Jungle Jumpstart,” captured the Sweepstakes Award for most beautiful entry at the 137th Rose Parade, standing out as the only float entirely designed and constructed by students. Designed and constructed by teams from Cal Poly Pomona and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, the vibrant display featured a 40-foot robot being repaired by rainforest animals, symbolizing teamwork between nature and technology in celebration of the parade’s theme, “The Magic in Teamwork.”

This article was originally published by Los Angeles Times on January 1, 2026.