Innovation was on full display in Southern California as the FIRST Robotics Competition Orange County District Event took over Capistrano Valley High School from April 2–4.

With 1,100+ students and 38 teams in attendance, the event brought together a vibrant community of young engineers, creators, and problem-solvers ready to put their robots and their teamwork to the test.

Where Creativity Meets Competition

Each team arrived with a unique approach to the challenge, reflecting weeks of iteration, testing, and teamwork. Whether refining code, adjusting mechanisms, or strategizing between matches, students were immersed in a real-world engineering experience that goes far beyond the classroom.

A Community Built on More Than Winning

What makes events like Orange County truly special is the culture. Teams didn’t just compete. They supported one another, shared ideas, and celebrated each other’s wins.

This spirit reflects the heart of FIRST: a community grounded in Gracious Professionalism and Coopertition, where learning, respect, and inclusion are just as important as performance.

It’s this environment that helps students build confidence, develop leadership skills, and discover pathways into STEM. It prepares them for whatever future they choose.

Awards

• Impact Award Winner: Team 115 – MVRT
• Winning Alliance: Team 4414 – High Tide; Team 3476 – Code Orange; Team 3309 – Friarbots
• Leadership Award Semi-Finalists: Braiden K with Metal Maniacs Team 9730; Andrea F with SMbly Required with 5805
• Engineering Inspiration: Team 4201 – Vitruvian Bots
• Full Awards List: 2026 Awards

Inspiring the Next Generation

Throughout the weekend, mentors, volunteers, and supporters played a critical role in guiding and encouraging students. Their presence reinforces what makes FIRST so impactful. It’s a powerful network of role models helping students connect their passion for STEM to real-world opportunities.

Events like the Orange County District competition are more than a showcase of robotics. They are a launchpad for future innovators, where students gain the skills, mindset, and inspiration to take on the challenges of tomorrow.

Call to Action

Be part of what’s next:

• Volunteer at a local event
• Mentor a team
• Partner with FIRST California to support student opportunities

Together, we’re creating experiences that inspire students to lead, innovate, and build a better future.

Thank You!

A heartfelt thank you to all teams, mentors, volunteers, and sponsors who helped write the first chapter of the Orange County District Event.

Feel free to download and share any of these photos.  You can tag FIRST California at @firstroboticscalifornia on Instagram  and use hashtags #FIRSTinCA, #morethanrobots, #omgrobots, #REBUILT and #FIRSTAGE.

From April 2–4, Berkeley High School came alive with innovation, energy, and teamwork as more than 1,200 students and 40 robotics teams gathered for the FIRST Robotics Competition East Bay District Event.

Over three action-packed days, students designed, built, and competed with industrial-sized robots, showcasing not only technical skill, but the collaboration, creativity, and resilience that define the FIRST community.

More Than Robots in the East Bay

The East Bay District Event was a powerful example of how FIRST is truly More Than Robots. It’s a place where students gain real-world experience in engineering, teamwork, and leadership while building confidence and community.

From intense matches on the field to collaboration in the pits, teams embodied Gracious Professionalism and Coopertition, supporting one another while striving for excellence.

Spotlight on Partnership: Empowerly

A highlight of the event was the presence of Empowerly, who connected directly with students and families through an on-site booth.

Founder Changxiao Xie also helped kick off the event, sharing insights and inspiration with participants during opening ceremonies. His message reinforced the importance of access, mentorship, and pathways to future success, values that closely align with the FIRST mission of preparing young people for the future.

This kind of engagement reflects the growing ecosystem around FIRST California, where partners play a critical role in supporting students and helping them explore what’s possible beyond the competition field.

Awards

• Impact Award Winner: Team 3256 – WarriorBorgs
• Winning Alliance: Team 4698 – Raider Robotics; Team 841 – BioMechs; Team 1854 – The Chomp Bots
• Leadership Award Semi-Finalists: Bhavya D with WarriorBorgs Team 3256; Brody I with SF UNITY Team 9038
• Engineering Inspiration: Team 5419 – Berkelium
• Full Awards List: 2026 Awards

Building the Future, Together

Events like the East Bay District competition highlight the impact of hands-on STEM experiences. Students are not just building robots. They are building skills in problem solving, communication, and leadership that prepare them for college, careers, and life.

With the support of mentors, volunteers, and partners, FIRST continues to create opportunities for students across California to discover their potential and shape their futures.

Be Part of the Impact

• Get involved as a mentor, volunteer, or sponsor
• Support local teams and events
• Help expand access to STEM opportunities across California

Together, we are building the next generation of innovators, leaders, and change makers.

Thank You!

A heartfelt thank you to all teams, mentors, volunteers, and sponsors who helped write the first chapter of the East Bay District Event. We can’t wait to come back!

Feel free to download and share any of these photos.  You can tag FIRST California at @firstroboticscalifornia on Instagram  and use hashtags #FIRSTinCA, #morethanrobots, #omgrobots, #REBUILT and #FIRSTAGE.

FIRST California made its debut in the San Gabriel Valley in a big way! The inaugural FIRST Robotics Competition San Gabriel Valley District Event, held March 27–29, 2026, at Don Bosco Technical Institute in Rosemead, brought together 31 high school teams and 900+ students for a landmark weekend of FIRST® AGE™ REBUILT™ competition.

Don Bosco Technical Institute proved to be the perfect setting for a first-ever FIRST event – a school with a deep legacy of technical education and a team that was an absolute joy to work with from start to finish. Their hospitality and partnership helped make this inaugural event a resounding success.

From the competition floor to the pit area, the energy was electric and the spirit of Coopertition was alive all weekend long. Teams competed hard, supported one another, and represented the best of what the FIRST community is all about.

• Impact Award Winner: Team 1538 – The Holy Cows
• Winning Alliance: Team 9408 – Warren Warbots, Team 599 – Robodox, Team 968 – RAWC
• Leadership Award Semi-Finalists: Jaiden K with The Robodox Team 599, Emilie D with Team Paradox Team 2101
• Engineering Inspiration: Team 3473 – Team Sprocket
• Full Awards List: 2026 Awards

A heartfelt thank you to all teams, mentors, volunteers, and sponsors who helped write the first chapter of the San Gabriel Valley District Event. We can’t wait to come back!

Feel free to download and share any of these photos.  You can tag FIRST California at @firstroboticscalifornia on Instagram  and use hashtags #FIRSTinCA, #morethanrobots, #omgrobots, #REBUILT and #FIRSTAGE.