Bridgeport’s FIRST Robotics Event Sparks Interest in STEM Careers
On January 10, 2026, the University of Bridgeport hosted two exciting FIRST Robotics competitions, attracting middle and high school students from the region. Connecticut’s Governor Ned Lamont, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, and local leaders attended the event, which showcased the university’s new robotics space.
The competitions—the FTC DECODE and FRC REBUILT—allowed students in grades 7 to 12 to design and build robots for exciting challenges. This was the first major event held at the new robotics hub in UB’s Steans Advanced Manufacturing Center, developed in partnership with Access Educational Services and NE FIRST. The hub opened last fall, enhancing hands-on STEM learning at the university.
About 300 attendees joined the festivities, including 250 participants for the FTC qualifier and another 50 for the FRC kickoff. Teams competed in high-energy matches, with 13 FTC teams participating. The FRC kickoff was also streamed online, allowing even more people to tune in.
Dr. Khaled Elleithy, Dean of the College of Engineering, noted, “These events showcase the incredible talent young students have. Engaging in hands-on projects builds their confidence and inspires them to explore careers in STEM fields.” This reflects broader trends; according to a recent National Science Foundation report, interest in STEM careers among young people has been steadily rising, driven largely by events like this that provide practical experience.
Bridgeport’s Mayor, Joe Ganim, also emphasized the importance of these competitions: “They help students connect classroom learning with real-world applications, and that’s crucial for our future workforce.” Such events are particularly vital as the U.S. faces a significant skills gap in engineering and technology fields.
University leaders expressed enthusiasm about making the robotics events an annual tradition. “When students bring their creativity and teamwork to these challenges, it’s inspiring,” said UB President Danielle Wilken. The university aims to expand opportunities for students to engage with its programs and labs, which could lead to more exciting career pathways in the future.
For more information about the University of Bridgeport’s STEM programs, visit bridgeport.edu.
