Piedmont Makers Robotics Programs

Piedmont Makers Robotics Programs offers LEGO League Explore, LEGO League Challenge, FTC — FIRST Tech Challenge, FRC — Highlander Robotics Team 8033, and Destination Imagination. LEGO League Explore teams of 5–6 kids meet for 12 weekly hour-long sessions and present at the LEGO League Explore Festival, while LEGO League Challenge teams of 6–8 meet 1–2 times a week from August through December. FTC teams of 6–12 kids practice at coach/parent homes or the robotics practice facility in Oakland, and FRC Team 8033 has 50+ kids and practices at the robotics practice facility in Oakland.

Programs

• LEGO League Explore — Grades K–3 · Aug–Dec; 1× weekly; 1 hour · $200 · Teams of 5–6 kids meet at a coach's home for 12 weekly hour-long sessions, then present at the LEGO League Explore Festival at Piedmont Middle School. Two parent volunteers coach each team.
• LEGO League Challenge — Grades 4–8 · Aug–Dec; 1–2× weekly; 2–3 hours total · $400 · Teams of 6–8 meet 1–2 times a week from August through December.
• FTC — FIRST Tech Challenge — Grades 7–12 · Sept–Feb; 2× weekly; 2–6 hrs · $500 · Teams of 6–12 kids practice at coach/parent homes or the robotics practice facility in Oakland.
• FRC — Highlander Robotics Team 8033 — Grades 9–12 · Aug–June; build season Jan–March; multiple weekly meetings · $800 · Team 8033 has 50+ kids and practices at the robotics practice facility in Oakland.
• Destination Imagination — Grades 3–8 (pilot year) · Fall–Spring · $200 · Teams of up to 7 kids; registration is closed for now.

At a glance

• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Price range: $200–$800
• General schedule: LEGO League sign-ups run March through May; FTC and FRC open later, into the summer.

About the provider

Piedmont Makers says its school maker faire is now in its 12th year. The mission is to provide engaging and inclusive S.T.E.A.M. experiences for young people in Piedmont, CA and beyond through partnerships that develop and support educational programs. The programs are open to East Bay students, including Oakland, Berkeley, Lamorinda, and beyond, and they are run by parents and volunteers. Piedmont Makers also mentors local LEGO League teams.

Financial aid is available; cost should not be a barrier. No engineering experience is required for kids or coaches. Coaches are parent volunteers. If families sign up individually, Piedmont Makers will place the kid on a team during the summer. For 7th or 8th grade, LEGO League Challenge with the Python option or FTC are both described as options.

What families say

“Piedmont Makers is what makes this community special.” — Roy · father of 3

Last updated September 16, 2026.