FIRST Tech Challenge at NDSU

The robotics challenge teaches teenagers a wide variety of applicable life skills.

FARGO, N.D. – First, LEGO League – then, the FIRST Tech Challenge!

The NDSU College of Engineering hosted the annual FIRST Tech Challenge regional qualifying tournament at the Bentson Bunker Fieldhouse on Saturday, January 25.

Teams of kids from grades 7 through 12 took their programmed machines to the arena floor to complete a sequence of tasks.

The children are guided by adult coaches and mentors to develop STEM skills and practice engineering principles.

But event organizers say the program develops far more than just the technical aspects of the mind.

“A lot of these students don’t necessarily go into robotics or engineering either,” said Angela Gross, NDSU College of Engineering Outreach Coordinator.

“They might go into business. Because they are literally running a small business. They gotta advertise and market their robots, they gotta do a presentation in front of everyone and sell their robot. So it’s a big, well-rounded thing.”

The winners of the regionals, of course, move on for the chance to represent Fargo on the national stage.