CEDC Hosts 2025 Colorado FIRST LEGO League State Championship

Inspiring Colorado’s Next Generation of Engineers

The University of Colorado Denver campus came alive on December 6 as more than 1,000 students, families, mentors, and volunteers gathered for the 2025 Colorado FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Challenge State Championship—a celebration of imagination, STEM learning, and community impact. For CU Denver and the College of Engineering, Computing and Design (CEDC), hosting this event is more than a tradition; it is an investment in Colorado’s future.

Since 2019, CU Denver’s Department of Electrical Engineering and CEDC have proudly hosted the statewide championship, offering thousands of young learners their first introduction to a university engineering environment. 

“FLL teaches students at a critical age real principles of engineering design and innovation, as well as the value of teamwork,” says CU Distinguished Professor Stephen Gedney, PhD. “[and], it does so in an environment that is truly educational, competitive, and rewarding.”

A Campus Alive With Young Innovators

The Lola & Rob Salazar Student Wellness Center and North Classroom building transformed into Colorado’s largest hub of youth-driven engineering for the day. Sixty teams, more than 450 students ages 9 to 14, filled the spaces with energy, laughter, and determination. 

Dean Martin Dunn welcomed families and participants with opening remarks, emphasizing CU Denver’s commitment to creating pathways into STEM for learners of all ages. More than 100 volunteers came together to support the event, including many CU Denver students, alumni, faculty and community members, reflecting CU Denver’s commitment to empowering learners and strengthening the communities we serve.

Engineering at Its Earliest Stages

Experiences like these are defining moments in a young engineer’s life. 

“Four of my children were involved in FIRST LEGO League, FIRST Tech Challenge, and FIRST Robotics Challenge. All gained experiences that carried them through college (all four studied engineering at CU Denver) that they will say were foundational to their careers,” says Gedney.  “I want to continue to support this for the next generation of students.” 

Serving the Public Good, One Young Engineer at a Time

Events like the Colorado FIRST LEGO League State Championship demonstrate CU Denver’s commitment to expanding access to STEM education, fostering curiosity, and creating early opportunities for hands-on exploration. By welcoming students as young as nine into our campus engineering spaces, CEDC helps students begin to see themselves as innovators and creators, building the mindset, confidence, and foundational skills that will guide them through a lifetime of engineering and discovery.

For current students, faculty, staff, and alumni, the championship is a reminder of how CU Denver open doors, spark passions, and create pathways that elevate the next generation.

The excitement seen in these young learners represents more than a single day of competition—it reflects the future of engineering in Colorado. And CEDC is proud to help shape it.