Lights, camera, STEAM!

Science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) inspire big ideas, bold action – and creativity. Our skills make it possible to create art and experiences that bring us together, entertain us, and move us.

During the 2023-2024 FIRST season, FIRST® IN SHOWSM presented by Qualcomm, we’re shining a spotlight on the role STEM plays in the arts and empowering young people to design and build a world of endless possibilities. The future is a place you will create.

2025 Northland Program Partner

What is FIRST Robotics Competition? 

Students in grades 9-12 work with adult mentors to delve deeply into an annual engineering challenge that culminates in teams collaborating to figure out the best way to accumulate the most points in 3v3 team (alliance) matches. High-fives and celebration are the hallmark of every first competition. The achievements last a lifetime for all involved.

Lake Superior Regional
and
Northern Lights Regional

February 26-March 1, 2025

Duluth

Great Northern Regional

March 12-15, 2025

Grand Forks

Warner Coliseum Regional

(Name TBD) locationed at MN State Fairgrounds

March 26-29, 2025

St. Paul

North Star Regional

at Mariucci Arena, University of MN

April 2-5, 2025

Minneapolis

Granite City Regional

April 2-5, 2025

St. Cloud

The Ultimate Sport
for the Mind
TM:

Under strict rules and limited time and resources, teams of high school students are challenged to build industrial-size robots to play a difficult field game in alliance with other teams, while also fundraising to meet their goals, designing a team “brand,” and advancing respect and appreciation for STEM within the local community. 

In CRESCENDO℠ presented by Haas, a new challenge debuting January 6, 2024, FIRST Robotics Competition teams will use their engineering skills and creative power to entertain and move the world.

Combining the excitement of sport with the rigors of STEM, FIRST® Robotics Competition (ages 14-18) teams use sophisticated technology to build and program industrial-sized robots to play an action-packed, alliance-based game on a themed field. With professional mentors and sponsors, students learn engineering and problem-solving skills that they can apply to real-world situations today and in the future. Using Gracious Professionalism, each team creates a team identity, raises funds to meet its goals, and works to promote STEM in their community.