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The Power of Purpose: Chandra Donelson on Leadership, Innovation, and STEM Education

October 3, 2025
The Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF) is proud to collaborate with Chandra Donelson, a trailblazer at the intersection of public service, technology, and storytelling. As the Chi...
Chandra Donelson holds the book she co-wrote,

The Space Cookies Soar High and Shatter Stereotypes as the Next Generation in STEM 

September 29, 2025
Located in Mountain View, CA, this team is building much more than robots; they’re building a future where women are at the forefront of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)...
Team 1868A poses with their robot

Impact Newsletter: September 2025

September 13, 2025
In this edition: From Family Roots to Career Success: Nathan Matlack’s VEX Robotics Journey Ignite. Innovate. Impact. RECF Online Challenges Open for 2025-2026 Bringing Representation to th...
Impact Newsletter Graphic with REC Foundation logo.

These Girls Are Bringing Representation To The World of Robotics

September 10, 2025
The all-girls VEX IQ Robotics Competition Team 6855B Warrior VEX at The Westminster Christian School in Palmetto Bay, Florida is bringing new talent and representation to the world of robotics and a ...
Team 6855B at the VEX Robotics World Championship

Building Futures in Central Washington: Coach Jason Eng’s VEX Robotics Journey

August 25, 2025
When Jason Eng first introduced robotics at Mount Stuart Elementary in Ellensburg, Washington, he wanted to give his students a unique learning experience. Looking back, Eng had no idea that nearly a...
Jason Eng with his VEX Robotics team

Impact Newsletter: August 2025

August 7, 2025
In this edition: Empowering Student Leaders Through VEX Robotics VEX Al Robotics Competition Pushing the Boundaries Girl Powered October Is Just Around the Corner Building Confidence, Co...
Impact Newsletter Graphic with REC Foundation logo.

From Family Roots to Career Success: Nathan Matlack’s Robotics Journey

June 20, 2025
For Nathan Matlack, robotics has always been more than just a hobby; it’s been a family affair and the foundation of his career. His journey began early, inspired by his mom, Kristi Matlack, who star...
Nathan Matlack in the classroom

Building Confidence, Cultural Connections, and Lifelong Skills Through VEX Robotics

June 17, 2025
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 competiti...
Team 19085C in their pit at the VEX Robotics World Championship

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
VEX Robotics World Championship logo