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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

The 2026-27 FIRST LEGO League season is here! We're excited to welcome teams, coaches, mentors, volunteers, families, and supporters back for another season of FIRST LEGO League in South Dakota.

Founders Edition Reminder
During this transition, FIRST LEGO League will offer two pathways: Founders Edition and Future Edition. South Dakota will host Founders Edition events only for the 2026-27 season. We will not be offering Future Edition events in our state this year, but will communicate any information we receive about opportunities offered in neighboring states, should you choose to participate in this pathway.

Teams planning to participate in a South Dakota qualifier and potentially advance to the South Dakota State Championship should register for Founders Edition when completing their team registration on the FIRST LEGO League website.

There has been a lot of information shared about changes within FIRST LEGO League. For South Dakota teams this season, the important thing to remember is simple: register for Founders Edition.

Season Resources
You can find FIRST LEGO League Challenge and Explore season resources on the ⁠FIRST LEGO League Season Materials page.

We know there are many questions as these changes unfold. South Dakota FIRST LEGO League remains committed to creating meaningful experiences for students and supporting the coaches, volunteers, and families who make this work possible.

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)

2026-2027 Event Dates

West River Qualifier

November 21, 2026
Time: TBD
South Middle School
Rapid City, SD

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

Register Now

East River Qualifier

December 5, 2026
Time: TBD
Baltic School
Baltic, SD

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

Register Now

State Championship

January 23, 2027
Augustana University
Sioux Falls, SD

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

Register Now

FLL Trainings

Referees

Calling all interested in being an FLL ref! This training will equip you with the rules, tools, and confidence to guide teams through the 2026 competitions.

📆 Referee Training: November 17, 2026 | 7:00 pm CT

Jeremy Haugen will lead two Zoom training opportunities for judge and ref volunteers.

Zoom links will be shared with registered volunteers.

Judges

Calling all interested in being an FLL ref! This training will equip you with the rules, tools, and confidence to guide teams through the 2026 competitions.

📆 Judging Training: November 10, 2026 | 7:00 pm CT

Jeremy Haugen will lead two Zoom training opportunities for judge and ref volunteers.

Zoom links will be shared with registered volunteers.

FIRST Training Resources

FIRST® has expanded and improved its training opportunities to help coaches, mentors, judges, referees, and volunteers feel prepared and confident in their roles.

If you’re supporting FIRST LEGO League this season, we encourage you to explore the training available for your role. The expanded training catalog includes resources to help you understand expectations, prepare for events, and support a positive experience for participants.

Youth Protection Screening

Before participating, please make sure your FIRST Youth Protection screening is complete and current. Completing this requirement early helps ensure you’re ready to go when the season and event days arrive.

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:
Thursdays: 5:00-6:00 pm MT
Or by appointment.

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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