For the Reporter

Washington launches the 2016 season of the FIRST robotics competition with a worldwide kickoff event on Saturday at Auburn High School, 711 E. Main St., from 7 a.m. to noon.

The kickoff – one of 114 total events taking place throughout the world – will include 44 local teams.

The season will include more than 158 teams – about 4,500 students, grades 9-12 – participating in nine district events, culminating in the Pacific Northwest District Championships at Memorial Stadium in Portland, Ore., April 6-9.

On Saturday, teams will be shown the First Stronghold game field and challenge details and receive a kit of parts made up of motors, batteries, control system components, construction materials, and a mix of additional automation components – with limited instructions.

Teams will have six weeks to design and build a robot to meet this year’s engineering challenge and will compete against other FIRST Robotics Competition teams beginning in March.

For information on the FRC competitions, go to www.firstwa.org

Since 2011, Washington FIRST robotics has offered free mentor based after school programs for youth ages 6-18 to ignite interest in science, technology, engineering and math skills (STEM) and to foster well-rounded life capabilities such as self-confidence, teamwork and leadership.

Washington FIRST Robotics, a nonprofit organization, ignites youthful minds through education, hard work, mentorship and healthy competition. There are more than 11,000 students participating throughout the state with more than 6,000 coaches, mentors and volunteers.

For more information on FIRST or to find out how to get involved, visit www.firstwa.org.