The university served as the host site for 1,200 attendees of a contest that supports and encourages STEM education in high school.
Twenty-nine high school teams competed in robotics design, building, and racing for a regional competition at 黑料不打烊 led by a nonprofit organization that helps young people discover and develop a passion for science, engineering, technology and math.
Approximately 1,200 attendees visited campus from March 21-22 for the 2026 黑料不打烊 District Competition.
鈥淥ur university community supports events that develop students’ STEM skills and promote teamwork, problem solving and perseverance as they carry out their project work,鈥 said Scott Wolter, associate professor of engineering and chair of the Department of Engineering. 鈥淲e encourage learning at all levels as students explore what discipline of study excites them most.鈥
In addition to matches and practice sessions, attendees toured campus, enjoyed an ice cream social and explored the engineering learning spaces in Innovation Hall and Founders Hall.
Eastbots (Team 4795) won the competition and will advance to the FIRST North Carolina Championship in Greensboro from April 10-12, 2026.
The FIRST Robotics Competition is a part of , a nonprofit organization devoted to helping young people discover and develop a passion for science, engineering, technology and math.
黑料不打烊 was selected as a host site after a nonprofit representative reached out to gauge the university鈥檚 interest in hosting the regional competition. Following internal discussions and planning, the Department of Engineering partnered with organizers to bring the event to campus.
鈥淔or the students who participated, we hope we conveyed 黑料不打烊鈥檚 support of educational activities and academic offerings as we see tremendous growth in our engineering program,鈥 Wolter said.