Photo courtesy of Matthew McHugh Photography
NEF proudly supports FIRST LEGO League (FLL) teams across Naperville 203 elementary schools and junior high schools. Because of this commitment, students across the district are able to participate at no cost to their families or schools, ensuring broad access to an experience that sparks curiosity, creativity, and confidence.
FLL gives students the opportunity to explore science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in a hands-on, collaborative environment beyond the school day. Through the program, students design, build, and program robots to complete a series of challenges, while also researching and developing innovative solutions to real-world problems.
All FLL coaches are dedicated Naperville 203 staff, bringing their expertise and knowledge of students to guide teams through the season. In addition, members of Naperville North High School’s Huskie Robotics program volunteer their time to mentor and support younger students.
Teams spend months preparing for competition—testing ideas, refining designs, and learning how to work together effectively. Elementary teams come together each year at the Naperville 203 In-District Tournament, where they showcase their work and celebrate the progress they’ve made throughout the season. Junior high teams also have the opportunity to compete at a regional FLL qualifier hosted at Naperville North High School, where Huskie Robotics volunteers lend their expertise and mentorship to help younger students succeed.
The program’s growth reflects its impact. In its first year in 2019, around 300 elementary students participated across 30 teams. In 2022, with support from Molex, the program expanded to include all five Naperville 203 junior high schools. Today, the program continues to thrive with 41 teams and nearly 500 students participating annually across the district.
Since 2019, community support has enabled NEF to invest more than $404,000 in the FLL program. This funding covers team registrations, LEGO robotics kits, competition tables, the annual in-district tournament, coach stipends, and other essential resources that make the program possible.
While students gain valuable STEM knowledge through FLL, the program’s impact goes far beyond robotics. Students strengthen communication, collaboration, leadership, and critical thinking skills—abilities that benefit them both in and out of the classroom.
“In the classroom, it enhances critical thinking, problem-solving and teamwork skills,” said Madison Junior High School FLL coach Tanya Pardungkiattisak. “Students work together to design and build a robot, solving real-world problems with technology. This hands-on learning fosters creativity, innovation, and perseverance.”
She has noticed that the experience also shapes students outside the classroom.
“The competition aspect teaches time management, accountability, and how to communicate their ideas effectively. It also helps students build resilience as they encounter challenges and setbacks, reinforcing the idea of learning from failure and trying again.”
For many students, FLL also becomes a place where they discover their voice and their leadership potential.
“Students who participate in FLL feel a strong sense of community and leadership at Elmwood,” shared Elmwood Elementary coach Anne Blank. “They are proud to be part of the club and encourage others to join.”
Blank was able to recall one moment when that leadership became especially visible in her classroom.
“When fourth graders worked on a LEGO unit in science, our FLL members naturally stepped in to help their classmates problem-solve. Teachers were able to lean on them as leaders in the classroom. It was incredible to see them recognized for the leadership and teamwork they had developed through FLL.”
Through programs like FIRST LEGO League, students across Naperville 203 are gaining meaningful educational experiences, forming new friendships, and developing the skills and confidence that will help them succeed long into the future.
