April 2, 2026

Ferris State to host hundreds of students statewide at FIRST Robotics event, introducing youth to STEM possibilities

FIRST Robotics is making its return to Ferris State University next week, as hundreds of high school students statewide will have the opportunity to showcase their knowledge and creativity during action-packed competitions.

The FIRST Robotics event is set for April 9 to 11 at the R.L. Ewigleben Sports Complex inside the Jim Wink Arena, 210 Sports Dr. in Big Rapids.

FIRST - For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology – is a robotics competition where teams of students, coaches, and mentors work together to design, build, and program robots to compete in challenging games.

The goal is to provide students with opportunities to develop skills in STEM subjects, teamwork, and problem-solving while fostering a love for science and technology.

Nate Leatherman, professor of Manufacturing Engineering Technology and the event coordinator for FIRST Robotics at Ferris State, said that bringing together hundreds of young minds is an “electric” opportunity.

“One of the reasons that I love hosting this event is that is provides an opportunity for very talented students to show off their skill and creativity, but does so in a fun and engaging way,” he said. “The energy and enthusiasm that these students have is infectious and the atmosphere in Wink Arena is electric.  It is a great weekend.”

Though the upcoming competition is like last year’s, a key difference in the 2026 event is that the gameplay features a larger number of teams, with a total of 41 groups coming from high schools across Michigan. The three-day stretch will mainly consist of qualification matches, alliance selections, playoff matches, and an awards ceremony.

Leatherman said that this also an opportunity for college-bound students to learn more about what Ferris State has to offer, specifically its own FIRST Robotics opportunities.

“This event brings a lot of college bound students to Ferris.  While they are here, we provide them with an opportunity to gather information on the different colleges and experience the campus.” Leatherman said. “Many students know about Ferris, but it is not until they visit campus, see the lab and classroom spaces that they will be learning in, and experience what it is like to be a Bulldog that they start to see how Ferris can give them the education and opportunity for success that they are looking for.”

Leatherman also noted that other schools interested in participating in future events can do so this fall during the “Roboday Competition”. Details will be available soon.

The upcoming FIRST Robotics event is free and open to the public on all three days. More details about the daily itinerary or information regarding accommodations for disabilities and event accessibility can be found here.

Livestreams will also be available for those who cannot attend in person.