2025-26 FLL Challenge Qualifier Events
West River: November 22, 2025
East River: December 6, 2025
Celebrate creativity and problem-solving at the FIRST® LEGO® League Qualifiers!
FIRST® LEGO® League
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
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 Explore Team Festivals
West River: November 22, 2025
East River: December 6, 2025
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!
More Information Coming Soon!
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
FLL Connect Calls
A space to share updates, ask questions, and collaborate. Contact Billie Jo Bakeberg to get one scheduled at bjbakeberg@firstpartners.org.
A BHSSC Project in Collaboration with
