By Linda Barney, Barney and Associates
Intel Oregon FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Challenge Tournament held in January 2025
The Oregon Robotics Tournament and Outreach Program (ORTOP) is a premier organization providing FIRST LEGO League (FLL). and other robotics programs that introduce Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) to students through fun, exciting hands-on learning. ORTOP held the 2024-2025 Intel Oregon FIRST LEGO League Challenge Championship Tournament on January 18, at Liberty High School in Hillsboro, Oregon. FLL Challenge events are open to students in grades 4 – 8.
During the season, 188 Oregon FLL teams participated, competing at 14 qualifying tournaments across Oregon. The top 60 teams attended the championship. Click here for more information including a list of all the teams who participated and click here to see team awards. Congratulations to Team 27643 LEGO Legends who will be advancing to the international 2025 FIRST LEGO League World Festival to be held in Houston, Texas on April 16-19, 2025.
Why STEM and Computer Science Education is Needed
In a recent article, research by the Brookings Institution found highly digital careers now account for more than 25% of all American jobs. In the Portland metro area, Computer, Engineering, and Management (CEM) jobs have increased 62% since 2010, and now command an average wage of $122,311. Portland-area job growth was 26.6% between 2010 and 2023. To help maintain a digital workforce, it is critical that K-12 students have access to programs and services to help grow their interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).
Introducing ORTOP
ORTOP is the delivery partner in Oregon for FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). FIRST was founded to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology as described in these stories. FIRST® builds a robotics community through accessible, innovative programs that motivate young people to pursue education and career opportunities in STEM while building self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills. Studies conducted by Brandeis University have found that students who participated in a FIRST program showed significant improvements in workforce skills and interest in STEM fields, interest in STEM careers, and STEM knowledge. According to Bruce Schafer, ORTOP Executive Director, “We believe all students have the potential to be scientists, technologists, engineers, leaders, and innovators. The ORTOP mission is to welcome, engage, educate, and inspire Oregon’s youth and their diverse communities through robotics programs.”
ORTOP Programs and Supporters
ORTOP engages over 2,500 students in these FIRST programs:
FIRST Lego League Explore for students in grades 2 -4 and FIRST Lego League (FLL) Challenge for grades 4-8
FIRST Tech Challenge for students in grades 7 -12
FIRST Robotics Competition for students in grades 9-12
ORTOP Encourages Volunteers
ORTOP collaborates with volunteers, and works alongside coaches and mentors who assist the organization with events attended by hundreds of spectators.
TechStart is Proud To Be Involved as ORTOP Volunteers
TechStart powers K-12 computer science education in Oregon. TechStart provides annual awards to K-12 computer science teachers in three categories. TechStart provides Student of the Year awards to both a boy and girl high school junior or senior. In addition to awards, TechStart members volunteer as trainers, judges, and assist in organizing ORTOP events as well as working with a variety of other K-12 computer science organizations. According to Peter Steinfeld, TechStart Executive Director, “ORTOP's robotics programs reach more kids than any other tech education program in the state. They teach kids programming, mechanics, research, and teamwork. TechStart is a proud supporter of ORTOP.”
ORTOP Encourages Volunteers
ORTOP team-based robotics projects and an annual challenge, help students learn about STEM. While working collaboratively to design and build robots students learn and practice real-world skills such as problem solving, project management, mechanical design, and programming. ORTOP is always looking for volunteers and appreciates financial support.
“ORTOP couldn't put on events like the recent FIRST LEGO League Championship without volunteers from organizations like TechStart. They serve in a variety of roles including leadership, judging, refereeing and more. We're always looking for more volunteers with a variety of technical and non-technical backgrounds,” states Schafer.
To see how to volunteer for ORTOP, see the Volunteer information page. To donate to ORTOP or suggest a person or organization who might be interested in becoming a donor or sponsor, see the Support page.