Welcome to the 2nd Robotics Inspire and Support Everyone event!
Sunday, October 4th, 2026
Minnesota Robotics Invitational (MRI)
For information about the MRI tournament to be held on Saturday, October 3rd, please click HERE.
Mission
The mission of RISE (Robotics Inspire and Support Everyone) is to provide an opportunity for students who are underrepresented in STEM to realize and demonstrate that they can excel in any role in robotics
- RISE contributes to the FIRST mission, that ALL young people should have the opportunity to become science and technology leaders with the skills, confidence, and resilience to build a better world. https://www.firstinspires.org/about/stem-for-everyone
- A significant gender gap remains within STEM careers. In 2023, women comprised 16.7% of the engineering workforce and women comprise only 30% of participants in FIRST Robotics Competition.
- FIRST has a proven long-term impact on participating students, extending into college and careers. STEM-related gains are even more significant for female participants in FIRST than male participants.
The inaugural RISE event in 2025 will focus on supporting the recruitment and retention of girls and women in STEM, and those who may identify differently. RISE will work to overcome socialization and cultural norms that create barriers to full participation of women in FRC.
- Tournament style event with a minimum of 12 teams
- All are welcome to participate and support the RISE mission.
- Drive teams (1 or 2 robot operators, human player, technician and drive coach) must consist of female/non-binary individuals. A nonstudent may be either the drive coach or technician.
- What if your team does not have enough girls for a drive team? Every team will have the support and assistance of other teams and volunteers who will be able to provide female/non-binary individuals to serve on a drive team as needed. However, we encourage every team to use the RISE event to recruit new girls to your team and provide them with this opportunity to try robotics in a fun and supportive environment.
- Special content during the event will spotlight the success of women/non-binary students, alumni and volunteers in FIRST and STEM, and the success of FIRST teams in meeting the RISE mission.
- Opportunities for students to work with women/non-binary key volunteers
Frequently Asked Questions
Location
Roseville Area High School
1240 West County Road B2, Roseville, MN 55113
New location for 2026!
Our events will be moving to a new location within Roseville Area High School! This new location will give us more space, a better event layout, and closer proximity to air conditioning.
Vehicles carrying robots and pit materials will enter on Dellwood Street, and follow the light blue arrows to park in the southernmost two rows of the west lot (orange) and unload. We will ask buses to park in the overflow lot (green), and all team members and pit materials enter through the Performing Arts doors at the yellow star.
The field, bleachers and premium pits will be in the RAHS Upper Gym, and the rest of the pits will be in the RAHS Cafeteria, along with a pit lounge area with tables. Premium pits are 10 feet wide by 15 feet deep and reserved for host teams, and then distributed to teams attending MRI and RISE by number of FireBears events attended in recent history. Event sponsors and colleges will have tables in the hallway between the cafeteria and upper gym. The RAHS Commons (which is air conditioned) will have tables for team lunches, concessions, Raider Graphics selling event apparel, and above the commons will be an area that will serve as our quiet area (outside lunch time) and for pre-order team meals.
Schedule
Friday
3:00 PM – Field Setup Begins
Saturday – MRI Tournament
Sunday
7:15 AM – Load In
8:15 AM – Drivers Meeting on Field
8:30 AM – Opening Ceremonies
8:45 AM – Matches Begin
12 Noon – Lunch Break
1:00 PM – Matches Resume
2:00 PM – Alliance Selection
4:00 PM – Event Ends
Higher-Education Grants
Thanks to Medtronic SWE and an anonymous donor, there will be FOUR $500 individual higher-education grants given out at MRI and another SIX given out at the RISE event. Seniors on teams signed up for the event are eligible to apply for these higher education grants here until Friday September 18th here: https://forms.gle/EqGodgDpyNkHAW1s8
Pre-order Apparel
This year we are going to again offer pre-orders of MRI and RISE event T-shirts. New for this year we are going to offer long sleeve shirts as a pre-order exclusive! Individuals can order their size and color on our Square site, provide payment and note their team number. Teams will receive all their orders (labeled by purchaser) at check-in. The deadline is Friday, September 18th, so order soon!
Pre-order Meals
To streamline the team lunch experience and reduce waiting times for concessions, we are going to offer pre-order lunch deals again this year. Teams who pre-order lunches will get a reserved table with pizzas waiting and receive tickets for each member to select their own chips and beverage. Payment will be due at team check in via either card or check. Please use this form by Friday, September 25th to pre-order lunches: https://forms.gle/GBUhF4fivWurXvrp9
Contact Us
RISE questions or to volunteerhttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeVocu4DsSFTqQTtzX-wvUTgAUUFXummyjiH31T-GWiD1Q16g/viewform
Rule Changes
There will be some minor rules changes to the 2026 FRC game, REBUILT