4-H Robotics Program Awarded TLCF Grant

June 24, 2025

A Lego Robotics Program is coming to Three Lakes thanks to a $2,665 grant from the Three Lakes Community Foundation.

“We are so excited to support this innovative, hands-on, educational opportunity for Three Lakes students,” said Three Lakes Community Foundation Board Member Linda Goldsworthy. “As a retired educator, I understand the importance of developing a love for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). And they are doing it with LEGOs!”

According to Anne Williams, Oneida County UW-Extension 4-H Program Educator, the robotics team will be offered to Three Lakes in the fall of 2025. Led by two adult 4-H volunteers, the program will consist of up to eight youth in grades 4-8 who are members of Oneida County 4-H.

Williams is excited about offering this team to Three Lakes students in the fall of 2025.

“This year, there were 300 FIRST Lego Robotics Challenge teams offered in Wisconsin, yet there are ZERO teams offered within 100 miles of Three Lakes!” she explained. “Students in the more populated areas of Wisconsin are receiving this hands-on education, and students in northern Wisconsin are not gaining access to this!”

According to Williams, the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Lego League partners with LEGO. Each year, the program has a different problem, focusing on real-world issues such as renewable energy, space exploration, or urban planning.

Monies from the $2,655 grant will be used to initiate the new program in Three Lakes and purchase LEGO educational SPIKE Prime Robot Kits, laptops, engineering notebooks, registration fees, and team t-shirts.

Williams estimates that after the initial startup costs, maintaining a program will cost approximately $850 a year.

“This grant aligns with our mission of making Three Lakes the place to Live, Work, and Play,” noted Goldsworthy. “What family wouldn’t want to give their son or daughter this fantastic opportunity, especially if they are interested in STEM.”