![High school students work at the Michigan Engineering Zone (MEZ) in Detroit, MI on February 12, 2018. Photo: Joseph Xu/Michigan Engineering, Communications & Marketing](https://culture.engin.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/576/2023/02/39655381284_08140ea899_o-1024x576.jpg)
Since 2010, the MEZ connects professional engineers, Michigan Engineering faculty and students, and other volunteers with our 20 Detroit-area robotics teams to create a community of learning through FIRST Robotics. Teams use computer-aided design and programming software to design, build and test robots for sponsored competitions.
![FIRST Robotics](https://culture.engin.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/576/2023/02/first-horz-rgb-1-1024x267.png)
MEZ Background
Located in the heart of Midtown Detroit, the MEZ is a place for middle and high school students of Southeast Michigan to learn, grow and lead. As part of Michigan Engineering, the MEZ strives to provide world-class STEM resources, instruction and counseling to students who very well may be the next generation of Victors. The MEZ offers three multi-year programs in partnership with Michigan Engineering, providing students with the opportunity to engage in experiential learning. These programs are designed to be flexible, allowing students to participate on a year-by-year basis as they pursue their engineering interests.