This month, the gym at Saline High School was buzzing with energy as nearly 1,000 students on 40 teams put their homegrown robots to the test in a FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), sponsored by Oracle.

The competition in Saline showcased how the next generation of innovators are responding to this challenge – by designing, building, and programming machines that can perform precise tasks under intense pressure. In FRC, students build industrial-sized robots for a large-scale, fast-moving competition, then iterate quickly as they learn what works, and what doesn’t, during matches.

The Saline event brought together 40 FIRST teams, including nine from Washtenaw County, highlighting the strength and reach of Michigan’s robotics community. The Saline High School host team delivered an impressive performance, advancing all the way to the finals. Competition throughout the day was fierce, with teams pushing technical limits—so much that the very first match set a new Michigan scoring record. These moments highlight the ingenuity, teamwork, and rapid evolutions that define FIRST.

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is an international organization with a global community and programs operating in numerous countries, but the focus is always the same—hands-on learning through robotics. Through programs in schools and community learning spaces, FIRST helps students build technical skills, confidence and interest in STEM careers.

In competition, students apply skills in mechanical design, software development, systems integration, and troubleshooting, mirroring the challenges engineers tackle every day. They also learn to operate within real-world constraints including tight deadlines, specific performance requirements, and budgets, while collaborating with teammates and mentors to refine solutions. The program aligns closely with Oracle’s stewardship of Java, with more than 80% of teams using the language to design and program their robots while building technical and leadership skills.

Michigan aims to establish a FIRST Robotics Competition team at every high school in the state, expanding access to these opportunities and helping prepare more students for future careers in STEM. Oracle was proud to be a presenting sponsor of the Saline event, building on more than seven years of support for FIRST programs, including Rookie and Sustainability Grants that help FRC teams get started and grow.

This work is also closely aligned with the mission of the Oracle Education Foundation (OEF). Through OEF, we support students and educators with learning experiences that build problem-solving skills, creativity, and confidence—helping more young people explore STEM pathways through hands-on projects and team-based learning.

Events like the Saline competition are powered by students, mentors, educators, volunteers, and community partners who believe in what the FIRST experience can unlock. We’re proud to support that community, and to help create more opportunities for students to learn, build, and lead.