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The Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF) Expands its Partnerships with Native Tribes to Bridge Educational Divide Through Robotics Programming

Support from Google.org and Amazon Expands STEM Access for Indigenous Students

November 12, 2024
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Greenville, TX – November 12, 2024 — The Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF) expands its partnership with Native American Tribes across the United States to address the technological and educational disparities that persist in many Indigenous communities with supporters such as Google.org and Amazon. The REC Foundation seeks to empower Indigenous students by providing access to cutting-edge robotics and drone programming, inspiring them to become the next generation of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) leaders.

The Indigenous Robotics initiative introduces students to robotics and weaves their rich cultural heritage together to access quality hands-on STEM learning. By equipping students with the tools they need to thrive in the future workforce, the REC Foundation aims to foster a more equitable society and ensure that STEM education is accessible and inclusive.

An example of this initiative is the upcoming 5th Annual Southwest Native American Showcase, funded by Google.org, which will take place from November 14-16, 2024, in Whiteriver, Arizona, with additional support from Amazon. This showcase will serve as a powerful stepping stone for students, allowing them to build essential skills while experiencing the exciting world of robotics for the first time. Additionally, this event offers an opportunity to earn coveted spots at the 2025 VEX Robotics World Championship, the world’s largest robotics competition. 

“We are honored to collaborate with Native Tribes to offer opportunities that not only enhance students’ education but also respect and incorporate their cultural values,” said Suzanne DePoe, a Grant Support Specialist at the REC Foundation and Citizen of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz. “With our partners, the REC Foundation is offering the critical access and resources that help inspire these young minds to envision themselves as innovators and leaders within their communities and beyond.”

To learn more about this initiative, visit this site.

About the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF)

The Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF) is a global organization dedicated to increasing student engagement in science, technology, engineering, math, and computer science (STEM) by engaging students in hands-on, curriculum-based robotics and drone programs. The foundation empowers educators to inspire and equip students for success through comprehensive programs encompassing competitions, education, and workforce readiness. The REC Foundation strives to create a future where every student designs and innovates as part of a team, overcomes failure, perseveres, and emerges confident in their ability to meet global challenges. Through sustainable and affordable curriculum-based robotics programs, the REC Foundation inspires students, one robot at a time.

RECF Media Contact

Jenn Goonan 
Rocket Social Impact
Jenn@RocketSocialImpact.com
617.947.0971

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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.
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