BROOKLYN, Mich. (WILX) – A FIRST Robotics competition was held this weekend at Columbia Central High School.
Thirty-seven teams from surrounding counties competed in the event, one of several FIRST Robotics competitions held across the United States this weekend.
The competition has teams build a robot to solve a game or problem created by the FIRST Robotics organization.
Megan Hayward, director of HVD systems planning team at Consumers Energy and robotics outreach lead, said the event helps students develop skills needed for college and career readiness.
“So all those skills that they’re learning, they’re only successful when they learn how to communicate, innovate, solve new problems, and those are the skills that can be difficult to teach and they are learning these and it’s becoming natural to them,” Hayward said.
Chris Holbert, event coordinator and teacher at Columbia Central High School, said the event reaches far and gives opportunities for students to explore current technology.
“We also appreciate programs like this help get into rural communities like ours, so that we don’t get left behind with digital drive and that sort of thing,” Holbert said.
Michigan is one of the largest regions for FIRST Robotics, in part through FIRST in Michigan, which helps bring local sponsors and resources for teams and events.
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