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Why Robotics?

Hands-on STEM Education Programs

Involvement in STEM K-12 programs increases the number of students entering STEM fields. These programs address the current skills gap and ensure a strong workforce for the future. 
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Team celebrates at VEX Robotics World Championship
Teams works on a robot
Building Confidence

Students that participated in robotics improved in:

Critical Thinking
Problem-Solving
Communications
Teamwork

Engaging Student Interest

Team poses in the pits at VEX Robotics World Championship

%

of students said they enjoy school more because of participating in RECF competitions.

%

of high school robotics students expressed interest in taking STEM courses in college.
JROTC Team 11981A competes at an event.

%

of all students said they were interested in pursuing a STEM related career.
Student carries his robot at the VEX Robotics World Championship

Closing
the Gap

On 2.5M Unfilled Jobs
The Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF) is more than one of the world’s largest student robotics communities, it’s a proven workforce pipeline preparing the next generation of skilled talent.

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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.
Crowd watches the Signature Event in Minnesota's Mall of America
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