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Mission

The Robotics Education & Competition (REC) Foundation’s global mission is to provide every educator with competition, education, and workforce readiness programs to increase student engagement in science, technology, engineering, math, and computer science.

Vision

We see 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.

Accessibility

We offer free, user-friendly lesson plans and resources to support teachers in delivering engaging and effective STEM instruction. This commitment to educator development ensures a high-quality learning experience for all participants.

Global Impact

With a global footprint spanning 109 countries, the REC Foundation is dedicated to fostering a passion for STEM worldwide. Our programs perpetuate an international community that exposes students to new perspectives and creates lifelong connections.

countries throughout the world participated in the 2023-2024 season.
Map of the Earth with 109 countries highlighted.

Grants

Through your generous support, the REC Foundation's Team Grant program empowers schools and organizations to participate in the world's largest and fastest-growing academic robotics competitions.
By matching these groups with the necessary resources, we're helping to ignite a passion for STEM and equip students with the skills they need to succeed in the future. Let's work together to create a brighter tomorrow.
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1,466

Teams that received grants
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$1,791,314.34

Dollar amount awarded
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3,042

Number of grants given out
Students prepare robots for competition

RECF Donation FAQ

This FAQ section is designed to answer questions you may have about donating to RECF.

Yes, you will receive an email that contains a receipt of your donation. If you would like an additional receipt at the end of the year totaling all your donations, please email [email protected].

Yes. When making your gift, use the dropdown menu to select the area where you would like your donation applied.

Donations under the amount of $5,000 may not be delegated towards a specific team. If you are looking to make a donation of $5,000 or more and would like for it to go towards a specific team, please email us at [email protected].

Email [email protected] to learn more about different volunteer opportunities. If you wish to become an Event Partner and possibly host a competition, please email [email protected].

You are able to see our Annual Reports in the link provided.

Yes, the RECF is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your donation is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Please email [email protected] to get in touch with a representative to manage your donation.

The Robotics Education & Competition Foundation prioritizes the security of your personal and financial information. We employ industry standard security measures to protect your data.

Your information is confidential and will not be shared with individuals outside of the organization. At the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation, we prioritize the privacy and security of our donors’ information. Your trust is essential to our mission. We adhere to strict data protection practices to safeguard your personal data.

Yes, your donation to the Robotics Education and Competition Foundation (REC Foundation) is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the REC Foundation is eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

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