3D Robotics Duluth

Our purpose is to inspire youth to recognize career opportunities in STEM fields, engage in community outreach, provide youth with experience in a project-oriented activity, and secure the funding needed for students to participate in robotics competitions and other educational related events. Our mission is to build unique STEM opportunities for k-12 youth while cultivating leadership skills. Our Vision is to empower youth through hands-on STEM experiences, inspiring lifelong curiosity, leadership, and a passion for innovation and creative problem solving. Our History The Devildogs was started in 2016 by a group of middle school students with roots in FIRST LEGO League (FLL). In 2019, a group of passionate 6th graders joined the team. When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted in-person activities in 2020, this group of students pivoted to virtual meetings, sustaining momentum throughout the 2020–21 season. By summer 2021, we formalized our mission and applied for 501(c)(3) status to become an independent and self-sustaining organization creating robotics opportunities for middle school students. Our success inspired the creation of additional programming, allowing students to join as early as kindergarten and remain engaged through high school. Our inclusive structure ensures that every student, regardless of prior experience, feels valued and empowered.​ Powered by Volunteers Behind every robot and every breakthrough moment is a dedicated team of volunteers. This year alone, 67 volunteers have stepped up as coaches and mentors, collectively contributing over 5,000 hours to support our students through a single season. Their commitment is the backbone of our success, providing not just technical guidance but also encouragement, leadership, and community. ​Impact Today As we enter the 2026–27 season, our organization has grown to support: 25 robotics teams 230 students across three major programs: Explore, Challenge, and Tech Summer camps and community workshops that extend learning beyond the season. Our commitment to excellence paid off in the 2024–25 season, when three teams, two Tech and one Challenge, qualified for the world championships, and again this past season with teams qualifying for not only the World Championship, but also the European Premier in the Netherlands this summer - a testament to the talent and dedication cultivated within our programs. Our current members continue to push boundaries, innovate, and inspire, ensuring that the future of STEM is brighter than ever.

Our organization provides hands-on STEM education through a variety of robotics-based programs designed for K-12 students across the Twin Ports region. We offer three main levels of robotics teams, giving students a clear pathway to grow their skills over time: Explore (grades K-3), Challenge (grades 4-8), and Tech (grades 7-12). These teams meet regularly throughout the school year to design, build, and program robots for official competitions through FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). Beyond competitive robotics, we offer STEM enrichment through community workshops, outreach events, and summer camps. These programs introduce new students to the basics of engineering, coding, and teamwork in a fun, inclusive environment. In 2022, we launched our Explore program to serve younger students, we host workshops to help Girl Scouts earn their robotics merit badges, and this summer we’re launching SheCodes - a new program created and designed by the girls in our Tech program. SheCodes is a half-day workshop that will encourage more 4th-6th grade girls to try programming and build confidence in STEM. Our services go beyond technical instruction. Students learn the full engineering design process, gain experience in project management, and develop essential life skills like public speaking, leadership, and collaboration. Many older students mentor younger participants, reinforcing a culture of peer learning and service. All of our programs are powered by volunteers, over 67 this past season, who serve as mentors, coaches, and role models. We also work to eliminate financial barriers by securing funding for team fees, equipment, and travel to competitions, ensuring that all students can participate regardless of income. In every program we offer, our goal is the same: to inspire curiosity, build confidence, and empower youth to become future leaders and innovators in STEM.