In this edition:
At North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics – Morganton, computer science instructor Matt Hilton is doing far more than teaching code. As the coach of four competitive VEX V5 Robotics Competition teams, Hilton is helping students from across North Carolina unlock their leadership potential on and off the competition field and building a robotics program from the ground up. The school opened its second campus in Morganton in 2022 to offer its public, residential high school to an additional 150 juniors and 150 seniors each year, including students from a variety of backgrounds across the state.
“We want everyone to feel like they belong in robotics, whether they’ve been building robots for years or are totally new.”
–Matt Hilton, Computer Science Instructor, North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics – Morganton
The 2025 VEX AI Robotics Competition Championship brought together 41 incredible teams from around the world, with Austria, Canada, China, Chinese Taipei, Macau, Saudi Arabia, and the United States represented. From impressive autonomous maneuvering to top-notch teamwork, innovation and problem-solving continued to be at the forefront of the skills on display. A big congratulations to all of the winners and participants—you’re shaping the future of robotics!
We are thrilled to invite YOU to host a Girl Powered workshop and join a global movement that celebrates the International Day of the Girl on October 11th. Whether it’s coding, building, engineering, or exploring STEM through creative fun, this is your chance to empower girls and make STEM shine with confidence and inclusion!
Host your workshop anytime in October—and help spark curiosity, confidence, and community for girls in STEM.
The first 150 organizers who have their October Girl Powered workshop on RobotEvents will receive a FREE celebratory box packed with fun swag to energize participants and help spread the Girl Powered spirit!
Let’s light up the STEM world together—ready to make some noise for Girl Powered?
John V’Soske, a dedicated educator and VEX Robotics coach at Black Rock Middle School in Villanova, PA, is watching robotics reshape the trajectory of his students’ lives, one challenge and competition at a time. In only its third year, the school’s VEX robotics team, Team 19085C, made its debut on the global stage at the 2025 VEX Robotics World Championship. The journey to the VEX Robotics World Championship was a milestone in itself, but for John and his students, the impact went far beyond the competition.
“It’s not just about winning. It’s about giving kids a space where they can thrive, explore, and believe in themselves.”
John V’Soske, Robotics Coach, Black Rock Middle School
The Mark Cuban Foundation is bringing its free Artificial Intelligence Bootcamp to multiple cities this fall, and applications are open until September 30th at www.markcubanai.org!
This hands-on program is open to high school students from underserved communities and introduces them to AI through real-world projects in tracks like healthcare, sports, business, and more. No matter where they’re starting from, students will be given the tools and support to thrive. Bring questions and creativity, and get excited to build something awesome together.
Hear more about current highlights of RECF programs and participants. See some of the most recent stories about our teams, events, and partnerships here:
