FIRST Programs In Ohio

Combining the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. We call FIRST Robotics Competition the ultimate Sport for the Mind. High-school student participants call it “the hardest fun you’ll ever have.” Teams of students are challenged to raise funds, design a team "brand," hone teamwork skills, and build and program industrial-size robots to play a difficult field game against like-minded competitors. It’s as close to real-world engineering as a student can get. Volunteer professional mentors lend their time and talents to guide each team. Each season ends with an exciting FIRST Championship.

REGIONAL EVENTS
Ohio hosts 2 Regional Events each season: The Buckeye Regional and The Miami Valley Regional. Over 50 teams attend each Regional providing students the opportunity to learn real-world skills such as team-work, problem solving, critical thinking, and time management during these high-intensity events. Click on the links for details about each event.
Miami Valley Regional · 2025 · Cintas Center, Xavier University · Cincinnati, Ohio
Buckeye Regional · 2025 · Wolstein Center, Cleveland State University · Cleveland, Ohio

The FIRST Regional Director for Ohio is Nancy Richards · 603-480-5746

Additional Resources:
FIRST Robotics Competition Season Resources
Team Management Resources
Technical Resources

Additional Contacts:
Ohio FIRST Senior Mentors
Rori Leath
Andrew Yantes

FIRST Tech Challenge teams (grades 7-12) are challenged to design, build, program, and operate robots to compete in a head-to-head challenge in an alliance format. Guided by adult coaches and mentors, students develop STEM skills and practice engineering principles, while realizing the value of hard work, innovation, and working as a team.

In Ohio the FIRST Tech Challenge Partner is the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Educational Outreach Office.

The main contact is Breanna Holt. For Ohio FIRST Tech Challenge specific information please visit http://wpafbstem.com/FTC/FTC.html

FIRST Tech Challenge Season Resources

Additional Contacts:
Ohio Head Referee
Paul Smith

Ohio FIRST Senior Mentors
Rori Leath
Andrew Yantes

FIRST LEGO League introduces science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to children ages 4-16* through fun, exciting hands-on learning. FIRST LEGO League participants gain real-world problem-solving experiences through a guided, global robotics program, helping today’s students and teachers build a better future together.

In Ohio the FIRST LEGO League Partner is the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Educational Outreach Office.

The main contact is Brenda Ronnebaum. For Ohio FIRST Lego League specific information please visit http://wpafbstem.com/FLL/FLL_challenge.html and http://wpafbstem.com/FLLjr/FLL_explore.html

FIRST LEGO League Season Resources

Additional Contacts:
FIRST LEGO League Explore
Tara Dore

Ohio FIRST Senior Mentors
Rori Leath
Andrew Yantes

*Ages vary by country

FIRST Programs in ohio

FIRST Robotics competition

FIRST Tech Challenge

FIRST Lego League