In this edition:
The RECF is happy to celebrate an amazing year with our global community. This year our team participation grew to over 55,000 teams and more than 3,600 events in 125 countries. We’ve been honored to get to know even more of you and share your stories.
As we bid farewell to this year and move into the new year, we want to thank our entire community for your enthusiasm, creativity, perseverance, and commitment to our mission. Your continued support allows us to create even more opportunities in education and to grow our workforce. Thank you for an amazing year!
At a recent Kanawha County VEX IQ Robotics Competition in Charleston, West Virginia, a technical glitch turned into one of those unforgettable moments that remind everyone why robotics is about so much more than awards.
For Curriculum Specialist Kelly Martin, who oversees all robotics and drone programs for elementary, middle, and high schools across her county, the goal this year was clear: build a culture rooted in leadership, empathy, and honorable competition. At each event, they award two recognitions, the First Responder Award and the Leadership Award, both chosen by peers, volunteers, and coaches who witness acts of integrity throughout the day.
Event volunteers are the heart and soul of our competitions. We rely on referees to keep things fair, emcees to keep things exciting, and queuers to keep things on schedule! Volunteering at a competition is easy to learn, fun to do, and rewarding for everyone involved. This year, over 160,000 volunteers committed 26 million volunteer hours to our community, teams, and events.
Thank you to every person who volunteered with RECF. We couldn’t do this without you!
Do you know a teacher, mentor, or volunteer who challenges students to grow through Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF) programs? Some work with individual teams to build world-class programs. Others put in countless hours to make events the best they can be. All are passionately devoted individuals who champion the mission and values of the RECF, creating opportunities for a future where all students can thrive through STEM.
These are our Inspiration All-Stars, and we want you to share their stories. To nominate an Inspiration All-Star in your community, follow the link below for details on submission requirements and deadlines.
For more than two decades, this volunteer-driven organization has passionately championed STEM and robotics programs, recognizing their critical role in preparing students for future careers. In late 2005, the Partners secured a grant of $1.5 million to invest in workforce development and robotics programs, and they continue to demonstrate their commitment by raising a quarter of a million dollars annually to expand access to these vital, hands-on training opportunities across the state. The Partners’ dedication is exemplified by volunteers like Bob Couch, who chairs the initiative and shared that he logs an estimated 200 hours a year volunteering to support this effort.
From student innovation to educator development, Automate 2026 offers a full lineup of education-focused events. Experience student tours, the interactive NextGen Pavilion, the inspiring Automate Student Challenge, and a special Educator Day designed to connect schools with the automation industry.
Hear more about current highlights of RECF programs and participants. See some of the most recent stories about our teams, events, and partnerships here:
