What is Blue Hawk BEST Robotics?
The mission of BEST Robotics (Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology) is to inspire middle school and high school students to pursue careers in engineering, science and technology through participation in a sports-like, science and engineering-based robotics competition. 

Dickinson State Univeristy is excited to be bringing BEST to our region. For more information about Blue Hawk BEST, please contact Alison Hafele at 701-483-2398 or by email at Alison.Hafele@dickinsonstate.edu
 

How Does the Competition Work?
There are two parallel competitions associated with the BEST program, the Robotics Program and the Best Award

Robotics Program
For the robotics competition, each participating school is provided an identical kit of equipment and parts, a set of game rules, and given six weeks to design, build, and test a Radio Controlled robot that outperforms other robots. Engineers, University faculty members, and other technical professionals from local industry serve as team mentors, advising and guiding students throughout the design and construction of their robot; however, students perform all of the work.

 BEST Award - The BEST Award competition is optional for schools.
The 5 elements of the BEST Award include:
•project engineering notebook
•marketing presentation


•table exhibit and interview
•spirit and sportsmanship
•robot performance

What is the cost to participate?
The competition is free for schools to participate; however, schools may incur travel-related expenses to come to Dickinson for the events. DSU owns the kits of parts to build the robots, they loan them to the schools for the six-week competition.  

What is the Impact?
We need to prepare NOW for the projected shortage of workforce in engineering, science, and technology. This fall, we will reach over 500 students from 30 schools in our region!