Dexter Community Education

Kids have a natural curiosity, creativity, and desire to explore. At FIRST®, we understand the power of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) to inspire their innovative spirit and boost self-esteem.

Project-based, hands-on FIRST programs introduce students to engineering and coding in an engaging, inclusive, and creative learning environment in schools and local communities. Participants work collaboratively to solve an annual, themed robotics challenge.

FIRST is More Than Robots®. Our PreK-12 programs are designed to help all young people develop creative problem-solving, leadership, and communications skills. Supported by a network of mentors, educators, volunteers, sponsors, parents, and alumni in over 100 countries, the FIRST experience gives participants lasting inspiration and confidence to build a better future for themselves and their communities.

FALL 2025 THEME: UNEARTHED Every artifact we uncover holds a story. Each tool, each innovation, each work of art connects us to the people and ideas that came before us. Using STEM skills and teamwork, today we can dig deeper into discoveries than ever before. Welcome to FIRST® AGE™ presented by Qualcomm, our 2025-2026 robotics season inspired by archaeology. What will you uncover? Join us for an experience for the ages.

EXPLORE (grades K-3): In Explore, teams of students focus on the fundamentals of engineering as they explore real-world problems, learn to design, and code and create unique solutions made with LEGO bricks and powered by LEGO® Education SPIKETM Essential or WeDo 2.0.

CHALLENGE (grades 4-6): Friendly competition is at the heart of Challenge, as teams of students engage in research, problem-solving, coding, and engineering - building and programming a LEGO robot that navigates the missions of a robot game.

Each team requires two adult volunteer coaches. The maximum number of participants per team is six. When the first team fills, additional students will join a waitlist, and a new team will be formed with the next six students and two coaches. Experience with robotics or programming is not necessary; the emphasis is on organizing, managing weekly meetings, and keeping students focused on the project.

Teams meet once a week, typically in the evening; practice time is dependent on the coaches' availability. Parents will be asked if they're interested in helping during the registration process, and children of volunteers are guaranteed spots on the team.

For questions about coaching, please contact Rose Jerome, at jeromer@dexterschools.org or 734-424-4180.