Robotics for grades 3–6. Build and code a LEGO SPIKE robot, solve a real-world research challenge, and compete across Virginia and Washington, DC.
Get your builder on a team →FIRST LEGO League Challenge is the entry point into competition robotics for elementary and middle school students. Teams build and program a LEGO SPIKE robot to complete missions on a themed game table, research a real-world problem and pitch a solution, and grow as a team through FIRST's Core Values — teamwork, respect, and gracious professionalism. It's serious engineering made age-appropriate — and a natural launchpad toward FTC.
FLL Challenge is built for students in grades 3–6. No experience needed — students start with the basics of building and block-based coding and grow into real robot design and strategy across the season.
Our FLL Challenge season runs through the fall — roughly two hours a week — building toward qualifying tournaments in November and December. The regional season culminates in the Virginia + DC Championship, hosted at James Madison University in January.
Teams advance through Virginia + DC FIRST LEGO League qualifying tournaments to the regional championship at James Madison University. Standout teams may earn invitations to the FIRST LEGO League World Festival.
FLL Challenge builds the foundation: real coding and engineering habits, teamwork, and the confidence to present ideas out loud — all before high school. It's also the direct feeder into FTC, so students who start here are ready to step up to the next level when they're older.
Why STEM4U
Areas We Serve
STEM4U runs FIRST LEGO League Challenge teams for families throughout Loudoun, Fairfax, Prince William, Fauquier & Arlington counties — including Ashburn, Aldie, Leesburg, Sterling, South Riding, Brambleton, Stone Ridge, Dulles, Chantilly, Centreville, Herndon, Reston, Gainesville, Haymarket, Bristow, Manassas and surrounding Northern Virginia communities.