Huntsville, AL, May 3, 2025 – The FIRST LEGO League Challenge Invitational Scrimmage held on May 3, 2025, was a resounding success, bringing together 23 enthusiastic young innovators from local robotics teams to compete, collaborate, and refine their skills ahead of the upcoming competition season. Hosted by the U.S. Army Redstone Test Center (RTC) and Whirly Girl Ink, the event took place at the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation and Integration Center (AMIIC), managed by the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM), providing a dynamic and supportive environment for aspiring engineers and problem-solvers.
The event featured an exciting day of friendly competition, problem-solving, and teamwork, all centered around this year’s FIRST® LEGO® League theme, First Dive by Qualcomm. Participants had the unique opportunity to test their robots, troubleshoot real-world challenges, and gain valuable feedback from experienced mentors and referees.
Hands-on activities also played a key role in the event, with special workshops focused on environmental and climate testing provided by RTC’s Environmental Control and Test Division (ECTD), as well as rocket propulsion demonstrations from RTC’s Missile Systems and Test Division (MSTD). These activities provided participants with an immersive, real-world perspective on engineering and problem-solving, offering valuable insight into advanced technologies and techniques.
Whirly Girl Ink, known for its support of STEM education and youth empowerment, played a vital role in organizing and facilitating the scrimmage. Their commitment to creating inclusive, engaging events aligns perfectly with the goals of the FIRST®, which aims to inspire students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
As the robotics season progresses, RTC, Whirly Girl Ink, and AMIIC are excited to continue supporting local teams in their journey toward success. All three organizations remain dedicated to fostering creativity, innovation, and teamwork through robotics and STEM education, helping to build the next generation of engineers, scientists, and leaders.
About Redstone Test Center (RTC):
Redstone Test Center (RTC) is a premier organization focused on testing and evaluation for defense and aerospace technologies. In addition to its core mission, RTC is committed to promoting STEM education and supporting the development of the next generation of engineers and scientists.
About Whirly Girl Ink:
Whirly Girl Ink is a nonprofit organization focused on empowering young girls and underrepresented groups in the fields of STEM. By creating engaging events and providing mentorship, Whirly Girl Ink aims to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.
