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The Importance of STEM

As the world grows increasingly complex, the need for individuals equipped with the knowledge and skills to tackle tough problems by gathering information, evaluating it, and presenting effective solutions continues to increase. Still, relatively few students are proficient in the core subjects of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and even fewer express interest in pursuing these fields beyond high school. Increasingly, educators and students alike seek hands-on, sustainable, and cost-effective approaches to help engage young people and maintain their interest in STEM through elementary school, middle school, high school, and beyond.
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Competitive robotics not only encompasses all four pillars of STEM education, but also encourages important life skills like teamwork, communication, and project-based organization. The Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF) exists to bring this exciting experience to students all over the globe through our wide range of competitions designed for students from 3rd grade through college.
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Team poses in the pits at VEX Robotics World Championship

Learn More About Our Programs

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VEX IQ Robotics Competition

The VEX IQ Robotics Competition provides elementary and middle school students with exciting, open-ended robotics challenges that enhance their STEM skills through hands-on, student-centered learning.
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VEX AI Robotics Competition

VEX AI Robotics Competition students use hands-on, industry-standard tools to design, build, and compete against teams with the most advanced aerial robotics technology available.
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VEX V5 Robotics Competition

The VEX V5 Robotics Competition prepares students to become future innovators. Tournaments are held year-round at the regional, state, and national levels and culminate at the VEX Robotics World Championship!
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VEX U Robotics Competition

The VEX U Robotics Competition prepares students to become future innovators. Tournaments are held year-round at the regional, state, and national levels and culminate at the VEX Robotics World Championship!
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VEX Factory Automation Competition

The VEX Factory Automation Competition is a classroom-based competition that provides students with essential and desirable foundational skills needed for today’s advanced manufacturing careers.
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Aerial Drone Competition

The Aerial Drone Competition offers hands-on learning in drone technology, flight, programming, and documentation. Teams explore drone careers while developing workforce skills through teamwork and problem-solving.
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Online Challenges

Students participate in The REC Foundation’s Online Challenges and show off their work, win prizes, and even win a chance to compete at the VEX Robotics World Championship.
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2025-2026 Signature Event Updates

  1. An Event Partner wanting to apply to host a Signature Event must have hosted events for at least 2 seasons prior to applying. 
  2. Signature Events must use the officially branded award banners for the Excellence Award and Tournament/Teamwork Champions Award.
  3. When hanging field skirts the VEX Robotics logo/brand name can not be covered up on the competition fields.
  4. VEX V5 Robotics Competition Signature Events may have regional capacity and max per organization restrictions lifted 8 weeks before the event if the event is not full (similar to the process already in place for VEX IQ Robotics Competition Signature Events).
  5. Minimum pit size reduced to 8’x 8’ instead of 10’x10’.
  6. Beginning in the 2025-2026 season, the REC Foundation will collect $10 instead of $5 per team registration on all Signature Events. This is to help offset travel costs for REC Foundation staff to support these larger events.

2025-2026 Signature Event Application Reminders

  1. Existing Signature Events only need to complete the Final Application (due by March 31, 2025)
  2. New Signature Event concepts will need to complete the Initial Proposal by January 31, 2025 and if approved, complete the Final Application by March 31, 2025.
Crowd watches the Signature Event in Minnesota's Mall of America
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