FIRST Robotics Competition Inspires Future Innovators at Columbia Central High School

A FIRST Robotics competition took place this weekend at Columbia Central High School in Brooklyn, Michigan, bringing together 37 teams from surrounding counties. The event, part of a larger series of FIRST Robotics competitions across the United States, challenges students to build robots capable of solving complex problems.

The FIRST Robotics Competition aims to foster crucial skills for future success. Megan Hayward, director of HVD systems planning team at Consumers Energy and robotics outreach lead, emphasized the importance of the competition in developing skills beyond technical expertise. “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 stated.

The event similarly highlights the importance of access to technology in rural communities. Chris Holbert, event coordinator and teacher at Columbia Central High School, noted, “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 explained.

Michigan boasts a strong presence in the FIRST Robotics community, supported by FIRST in Michigan, which facilitates local sponsorships and resources for teams, and events. The FIM District Jackson at Columbia Event presented by Consumers Energy Foundation took place from Friday, March 20 to Sunday, March 22, 2026. More information about the event can be found on the FIRST website, including webcasts from the competition: Friday Webcast, Saturday Webcast, and Sunday Webcast.

Recent highlights from the competition include Qualification 52 available on YouTube and Qualification 45 also available on YouTube.