On Saturday, April 25, youth from across Lake and McHenry Counties gathered at the College of Lake County Fitness Center to participate in the 2026 Illinois 4‑H Robotics Challenge: ArchaeoBot. The Robotics Showcase brought together 22 youth teams for a day of hands‑on learning, problem‑solving, and teamwork through robotics and STEM exploration.
The ArchaeoBot challenge invited participants to apply engineering and programming skills in a themed robotics competition that emphasized critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. Youth worked together to design, test, and refine their robots, gaining real‑world experience in STEM concepts while building confidence and perseverance.
This event was made possible through strong community partnerships and volunteer support. Special thanks go to the College of Lake County, the Center for Future Innovators, our dedicated volunteers and judges, and the educators and coaches who supported youth throughout the season.
Participating schools included Antioch Upper Grade School, John R. Lewis Middle School, Saint Gilbert Catholic School, Frassati Catholic Academy, and the College of Lake County, demonstrating broad community engagement and shared commitment to youth development.
The 2026 Illinois 4‑H Robotics Challenge showcased how 4‑H continues to provide meaningful, hands‑on STEM opportunities that prepare youth with skills for future careers while fostering curiosity, teamwork, and innovation.
About Illinois 4-H:
Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension, administered through the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. Through hands-on learning and life-changing experiences, Illinois 4-H prepares youth to be Beyond Ready — ready for college, career, military service, entrepreneurship, and more. Young people build confidence, leadership, and resilience as they explore interests from agriculture to computer science. Independent research and national surveys confirm the powerful outcomes of 4-H: participants are 40% more likely to pursue a college degree, twice as likely to obtain technical training, and two times more likely to serve in the military. With a legacy of cultivating leaders, Illinois 4-H continues to grow the next generation who are equipped to thrive in life and work today and beyond.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.