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FIRST® LEGO® League

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Welcome to FIRST® LEGO® League in South Dakota

Black Hills Special Services Cooperative (BHSSC) is proud to continue the great work of FIRST® LEGO® League in South Dakota as the new Program Delivery Organization (PDO).

FIRST®—For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology—is a global robotics community that prepares young people for the future through exciting, hands-on learning. Each year, more than 679,000 students worldwide take part in themed challenges that combine research, coding, engineering, and teamwork.

South Dakota teams have a strong tradition of innovation and collaboration, and BHSSC is excited to build on that foundation. With competitions hosted across our state and the support of local schools, universities, and community partners, FIRST® LEGO® League will continue to offer opportunities for every level of learning:

  • Discover (ages 4–6): playful STEM exploration
  • Explore (ages 6–10): hands-on projects and teamwork
  • Challenge (ages 9–16): coding, design, and robotics competition
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South Dakota FIRST LEGO League

2026-2027 Season Update

As planning begins for the 2026-2027 FIRST LEGO League season, we want to make sure South Dakota teams and coaches have clear information for the year ahead.

During this transition, FIRST LEGO League will offer two pathways: Founders Edition and Future Edition. For South Dakota, we will be hosting Founders Edition events only for the 2026-2027 season. We will not be offering Future Edition events in our state this year, but will communicate any information we receive about opportunities offered from bordering states, should you choose to participate in this pathway. If your team would like to participate in South Dakota FIRST LEGO League events, please register for the Founders Edition on the FIRST LEGO League website when completing your team registration.

We know there are many questions as these changes unfold. Our goal is to communicate early and clearly so coaches and teams can make informed decisions as they plan for the upcoming season. South Dakota FIRST LEGO League remains committed to creating meaningful experiences for students and to supporting the coaches, volunteers, and families who make this work possible. We are proud of this community and look forward to another strong season together.

Additional updates will be shared as more information becomes available.

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Get Involved

We are thrilled to help carry this work forward for South Dakota. Whether you’re a longtime mentor or brand new to FIRST® LEGO® League, we’d love to hear what’s working in your community and where we can improve together.

Have questions, ideas, or want to get involved? Please reach out to our PDP directly at bjbakeberg@firstpartners.org.

Billie Jo Bakeberg
Program Delivery Person
FIRST® LEGO® League South Dakota (BHSSC)

Statewide Events

FLL Challenge Qualifier Events

West River: 
East River: 

Celebrate creativity and problem-solving at the FIRST® LEGO® League Qualifiers!

FLL Explore Team Festivals & Events

West River: 
East River: 

Bring your FLL Explore Team to showcase their skills!

State Championship

Sioux Falls, SD: 

Compete at the FLL State Championship—where top teams earn the chance to advance to the FIRST® International Championship in Houston!

FLL Trainings Available

Judges

Get ready for the 2025 events! This virtual judges training will prepare you with the tools and knowledge to support teams with confidence.

📆 Judge Training: Thursday, October 30 | 6:30-8:00 pm MT 
OR Monday, November 3 | 6:30-8:00 pm MT 

Referees

Calling all interested in being a FLL ref! This training will equip you with the rules, tools, and confidence to guide teams through the 2025 competitions.

📆 Referee Training: Thursday, November 6 | 6:30-8:00 pm MT 
OR Monday, November 10 | 6:30-8:00 pm MT 

Office Hours

Do you have questions about FLL? Join our virtual Zoom office hours for quick support, brainstorming, or check-ins. No RSVP needed!

Office Hours:
Tuesdays: 10:45 am-12:00 pm MT
Thursdays: 5:00-6:00 pm MT

Same Zoom link for each session. Pop in, get what you need, and head back to your day. Feel free to share this link with other who might benefit. Contact Billie Jo Bakeberg for more information bjbakeberg@firstpartners.org.

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