The 2025 Nebraska FIRST Lego League Challenge Championship will draw about 650 youth to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln on March 21 and 22.
Coordinated in the state by Nebraska 4-H, part of the university’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the FIRST Lego League features youth in grades 4-8 who work in teams to solve robotics challenges using Lego Mindstorms technology. Participants develop and showcase skills in science, technology, engineering and math while exploring potential career paths.
Founded in 1989, FIRST — For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology — is an international youth organization that operates the FIRST Robotics Competition, FIRST Lego League Challenge, FIRST Lego League Explore, FIRST Lego League Discover and FIRST Tech Challenge competitions.
“The collaboration between 4-H and FIRST robotics is really dynamic,” said Brandy Schulze, education engagement coordinator with Nebraska 4-H. “This event aims to help youth experience success in a STEM environment to build confidence and identity around science.”
The championship runs from noon to 5 p.m. March 21 and 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 22 and will take place in Cook Pavilion, the Coliseum and the Nebraska Union. The event is free and open to the public, and spectators are encouraged.
This year’s FIRST Lego League theme is “Submerged,” in which students are addressing challenges related to the oceans. New this season, teams gathered in mini-play sessions rather than regional qualifiers. This allowed teams to prepare for the championship in a low-pressure environment while connecting with other youth from their regions. All teams were able to register for the championship.
“The youth participants are building their skills in teamwork, communication, problem solving, critical thinking, and the list goes on,” Schulze said. “This event really gets to celebrate the young people and all their hard work this season. The competition itself is also a whole new level of fun and excitement, and the robot matches are something you don’t want to miss.”
The FIRST Lego League Challenge Championship is part of the second annual 4-H Robotics Expansion Event at the university. The broader event, focused on robotics innovation and collaboration, allows youth to engage with and learn from UNL experts and other STEM professionals.
“We are excited to open the doors for young people to experience college opportunities while on the UNL campus, as well as build some career connections with the hands-on experiences with our industry partners,” Schulze said.
Event partners include Nebraska Extension, the Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management, College of Engineering, Johnny Carson Center for Emerging Media Arts, Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Department of Statistics, Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corporation, Nucor, Northeast Community College, Huffman Engineering Inc., Rensenhouse, Nebraska Innovation Studios, Don’t Panic Labs, Mason Road Manufacturing, Colewell Automation, Fanuc and Nebraska FIRST Tech Challenge.
For more information on the 4-H Robotics Expansion Event, including a complete schedule of the FIRST Lego League Challenge Championship, click here.
