CEHC’s Lego Challenge Inspires Next Generation of Innovators

By Sophie Coker

ALBANY, N.Y. (Nov. 18, 2025) — Capital Region children had a blast at the University at Albany’s ETEC building for the third annual Lego Challenge, a free event offered through the College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity in partnership with Pioneer Bank. 

Stations during the “AI Galaxy Builders”-themed event challenged kids aged 5-11 to learn code, build Lego rocket ships, participate in trivia, fly drones and engage in other STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) activities. 

CEHC Director of Student Experiences Erin Couture noted that university engagement with the community usually involves high school and community college-aged students.

“This is our largest community event of the semester, and it's an opportunity for our students, faculty and staff to engage with the younger population in our community,” Couture said. “Being able to offer it for free, with ETEC right on the bus line, makes the event even more accessible, which is so incredibly important.”

The Lego Challenge brought together more than 225 registrants, the highest attendance the event has seen to date. Kids who finished all stations were entered in a raffle for a chance to win a Lego space shuttle, galaxy projector and a National Geographic space book.

The event left space for parents to enjoy the Legos and learn about science and technology, too.

“It’s so meaningful to have these spaces for the community, not only for kids to come in and spark curiosity at young ages, but it’s also great for parents to see what’s happening on college campuses since they graduated,” said CEHC Student Ambassador Stephen Kapalczynski. “It helps make college and education seem less daunting to the community and more of a safe space.”

Connor Perkowski, a senior cybersecurity major and CEHC Drone Lab intern, helped run a drone event for participants. 

“Drones are a very big attention grabber, and here they get to use their creativity and just have a great time.”

Michael, age 7, has played with Legos for his whole life. At one station, he constructed a tall dinosaur to guard a house with two doors: “I love Legos,” he said. “I have a whole city at home!”

Couture added the Lego Challenge is an important step in putting STEAM interests into orbit at a young age.

"Kids need to see that science and technology is fun, not hard, and that these are things that they can engage with in the future.”

View more coverage of the event on News 10 ABC - WTEN

Photos by Brian Busher