FIRST Robotics Competition Expands to Rural Michigan

Columbia Central High School hosts event, showcasing growing STEM education trend

Mar. 23, 2026 at 1:34am

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A recent FIRST Robotics competition in Brooklyn, Michigan, brought together 37 teams from surrounding counties, highlighting the expansion of STEM education and robotics programs into rural communities. The event, hosted at Columbia Central High School, is part of a broader movement to bridge the digital divide and equip students with skills needed for future success.

Why it matters

For too long, access to advanced STEM education has been concentrated in urban areas. Programs like FIRST Robotics are actively changing that, providing rural students with hands-on experience in engineering, coding, and design. This practical application of knowledge prepares them for a wide range of STEM careers and helps avoid the risk of rural communities being 'left behind' in the digital age.

The details

The FIRST Robotics competition at Columbia Central High School involved 37 teams from surrounding counties, showcasing the growing trend of bringing these programs to rural communities. The event was coordinated by teacher Chris Holbert, who emphasized the importance of these initiatives for rural areas to avoid being 'left behind with digital drive.' Participation in the competition helps foster crucial skills like communication, innovation, and problem-solving, which are highly valued by employers.

  • The FIRST Robotics competition was recently held on March 23, 2026 in Brooklyn, Michigan.

The players

Chris Holbert

Event coordinator and teacher at Columbia Central High School.

Megan Hayward

Director at Consumers Energy, a key sponsor of FIRST Robotics events in Michigan.

FIRST in Michigan

An organization that plays a vital role in securing local sponsorships and resources for FIRST Robotics teams and events in Michigan.

Consumers Energy

A leading sponsor of FIRST Robotics competitions in Michigan, demonstrating a commitment to investing in the future workforce.

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What they’re saying

“We must avoid being 'left behind with digital drive.'”

— Chris Holbert, Event coordinator and teacher

“Participation in these competitions fosters crucial skills like communication, innovation, and problem-solving – skills that are often difficult to teach in a traditional classroom setting.”

— Megan Hayward, Director

What’s next

The FIRST Robotics competition at Columbia Central High School is expected to continue annually, providing rural students with ongoing opportunities to develop STEM skills and prepare for future careers.

The takeaway

The expansion of FIRST Robotics and other STEM education programs into rural communities is a positive trend that helps bridge the digital divide and equip students with the skills needed to thrive in the 21st-century workforce. This collaboration between industry and education is crucial for ensuring all students have access to high-quality STEM learning opportunities, regardless of their location.