SESI Robotics Competitions Propel Brazilian Youth Toward STEM Careers
SESI's decade-long robotics competitions have engaged thousands of Brazilian students, fostering STEM skills and leading many to pursue science and technology careers, with new initiatives expanding access and impact.
- • SESI has engaged over 45,000 Brazilian students in robotics competitions since 2012.
- • The 2026/2027 season introduces younger participants to the FIRST Tech Challenge and marks the 15th anniversary of the FIRST LEGO League Challenge.
- • 81% of SESI robotics alumni pursue STEM degrees, compared to 64% of non-participants.
- • Brazilian teams have won over 190 international awards, including three world championships.
Key details
Since 2012, the Serviço Social da Indústria (SESI) has been spearheading robotics competitions across Brazil, engaging over 45,000 students and fostering significant educational and career impacts in STEM fields. Each season, around 1,500 teams comprising approximately 10,000 students participate in challenges that demand programming, mathematics, physics, engineering, and collaborative problem-solving skills. These competitions embody the integration of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) education, aiming to develop socio-emotional abilities such as creativity, communication, and collaboration among youth.
The 2026/2027 season marks pivotal developments: the inclusion of younger students into the FIRST Tech Challenge and the 15th anniversary of the FIRST LEGO League Challenge within SESI schools. This expansion brings earlier exposure to robotics education, encouraging interest and participation from a broader student demographic, including those from public schools.
Research conducted by SESI reveals compelling outcomes: 81% of former competition participants are enrolled in STEM degree programs by their fourth year of university, a significant increase compared to 64% among non-participants. Notably, 59% pursue engineering or computer science, contrasting with only 24% in the non-participant group. This data underscores how robotics competitions influence academic trajectories toward science and technology fields.
SESI's director-superintendent, Paulo Mól, highlights that these activities unify multiple disciplines, enabling students to tackle real-world challenges while cultivating essential skills in teamwork, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Brazilian teams have garnered remarkable international recognition, securing over 190 awards, including three world championships in the FIRST LEGO League Challenge. This success reflects high proficiency in research, engineering, programming, and collaboration fostered through these competitions.
By broadening access to technology education and emphasizing hands-on, interdisciplinary learning, SESI's robotics initiatives are opening new pathways for Brazilian youth to pursue STEM careers, supporting the country's development in science and technology sectors.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
