Celebrating Growth at the CFI Level Up Ceremony

A Big Night for Big Ideas

The CFI Bridgeport Robotics Center was full of energy during our May Level Up Ceremony. Fourteen students presented their original projects to peers, families, and instructors as part of a milestone moment in their learning journey.

These projects were completed through CFI’s Open Lab program. Every student who completes at least six projects becomes eligible to present and advance through our official ranking system. CFI’s curriculum includes twelve levels, each with three ranks. Students progress based on their commitment, creativity, and presentation skills.

This event was not just a celebration of what students built. It was about how well they could explain it, reflect on their learning, and grow their confidence.

What Level Up Night Teaches

Before presenting, students attend a workshop where they learn how to create their own tri-fold poster board. During this session, they prepare design sketches, write purpose statements, record pseudocode, and plan out how to share their project with others.

On the day of the event, students set up at their own station with their completed board. Throughout the evening, each student is required to explain their project to at least five different people. This helps them build strong communication and public speaking skills.

Parents play a big role. After asking questions about their own child’s project, they are encouraged to visit other stations and help support students in reaching their five required interviews. This builds community and gives students the chance to explain their work to both familiar and unfamiliar audiences.

At the end of the evening, each student receives a Level Up Certificate and a small gift during a public ceremony. More importantly, they leave with improved presentation skills that will help them in school, competitions, and future careers.

Project Highlights

Each student chose a project they were excited to share. The creativity and variety were inspiring. Here is what each student presented:

• Cici – LEGO WeDo 2.0 elevator with motorized pulleys

• Ela – LEGO WeDo 2.0 crossbow designed for long-distance launches

• Adrian – LEGO WeDo 2.0 crossbow with custom-built trigger

• Lea – LEGO Spike Prime safe deposit box and a LEGO cat named Blocky

• Elliot – LEGO WeDo 2.0 cable car using gears and suspension

• Louis – LEGO WeDo 2.0 basketball shooter using sensors and timing

• David – FIRST LEGO League robot attachment from the Submerged season

• Mason – Scissor lift built using CFI’s gears and levers engineering kit

• Mia – LEGO WeDo 2.0 blooming flower recreated from an earlier session

• Myles – LEGO WeDo 2.0 solar system with a moving gear chain

• Duncan – LEGO WeDo 2.0 snake robot with articulated motion

• Christian (Youth Leadership Team) – Axle sorter designed with Jayden

• Jayden (Youth Leadership Team) – Axle sorter designed with Christian

• Everett – 4-H Robotics Competition display showcasing what his team accomplished during the season

Every presentation was different. Some students focused on mechanical design. Others shared stories about how they improved their build after it failed. At CFI, we support many learning styles and encourage students to highlight the part of their project they are most passionate about.

Why Presentation Skills Matter

At CFI, we attend robotics tournaments and STEAM competitions year-round. One of the biggest challenges we see is students struggling to explain their ideas clearly.

The Level Up Ceremony gives students a chance to practice speaking about their project, the challenges they faced, the skills they used, and why it matters. This ability to explain STEM concepts is just as important as building or coding.

Students also presented their engineering notebooks, which included design sketches, mechanical notes, and an overview of the robot’s purpose. By guiding students to reflect and communicate, we help them build one of the most valuable skills for future success.

Thank You

A big thank you goes to our Youth Leadership Team and our instructors who helped organize and support the event. Thank you also to the parents and family members who showed up, asked thoughtful questions, and encouraged all of our students.

The Level Up Ceremony is a community effort. It works because everyone believes in the power of student voice.

Want to Join the Next One?

Our next Level Up Ceremony will take place in July at the CFI Bridgeport Robotics Center.

Students can level up by completing six Open Lab projects and preparing a presentation board. This event is free for all Open Lab participants who meet the requirements. It is a powerful way for students to celebrate their learning, build presentation skills, and earn new ranks in our 12-level, 3-rank system.

🔗 Learn more and register for Open Lab: https://www.future-innovators.org/open-lab

We are so proud of every student who presented this month. Let’s keep building, learning, and leveling up together.

💛 Help us continue Level Up Night

Your support keeps this event free and accessible to all students. Consider donating to help us provide supplies, certificates, and learning opportunities for future ceremonies.

🔗 Donate here: https://www.future-innovators.org/donate/cfi

Thank you for supporting hands-on, project-based STEAM education for all.