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Building Leaders Through STEM: Insights from U.S. Space Force Chief Data & AI Officer

January 8, 2026
Chandra Donelson is a leader whose work spans the highest levels of government and the pages of children’s books. As the Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer for the United States Spa...
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Chandra Donelson profile picture

From Competition Fields to Career Paths: The Power of AI and Robotics

January 2, 2026
When Arya Sasikumar first stepped into the world of robotics as a fifth grader, he had no idea the journey ahead would shape not only his academic path but also his vision for the future. Today, as a...
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Arya Sasikumar speaks at a robotics competition

Partnerships Building Pathways: Palmetto Partners

December 7, 2025
“How can we get more kids involved in robotics?” That vital question, posed by Bob Couch and the group of South Carolina engineers and CEOs of Palmetto Partners in the early 2000s, laid the foundatio...
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Carolina Countdown Signature Event logo

Ifeoluwa Ogunfolu’s Journey from Aerial Drone Competition Student to RECF Regional Support Specialist

October 27, 2025
When Ifeoluwa Ogunfolu’s guidance counselor suggested she try joining a drone team, she never imagined drones would play such a defining role in her education and career path. Now a junior at T...
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Ifeoluwa Ogunfolu and teammate hold award atevent

Building the Future: How Robotics and AI Are Powering Student Innovation at St. Andrew’s International School in Bangkok

November 13, 2025
For 17-year-old Mathias Paramel, what began as a hobby building radio-controlled (RC) planes has evolved into a passion for robotics, automation, and aviation. “My dad and I used to build drones toge...
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St. Andrews robotics participant works on robot

Mazda Foundation (USA), Inc. Expands Robotics Opportunities for Students

November 6, 2025
Since 2022, the Mazda Foundation (USA), Inc. has partnered with the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF) to bring hands-on, classroom-based learning to life through the Factory Auto...
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Mazda Foundation logo

Impact Newsletter: December 2025

December 12, 2025
In this edition: Happy Holidays from RECF A Masterclass in Integrity and Teamwork Celebrating RECF Volunteers Nominate an Inspiration All-Star The Power of Partnership | Palmetto Part...
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Impact Newsletter Graphic with REC Foundation logo.

Impact Newsletter: November 2025

November 12, 2025
In this edition: Building Career Pathways Through Robotics RECF Pre-Engineering and Robotics Industry Certifications How Robotics and AI Are Powering Student Innovation Ifeoluwa Ogunfolu...
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Impact Newsletter Graphic with REC Foundation logo.

Building Career Pathways Through Robotics: Bill McDonough’s Seven-Year Internship for the Real World

October 11, 2025
For over three decades in education, Bill McDonough has been helping students discover their voice, build confidence, and shape their future. Through robotics, he created what he calls a “seven...
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Robotics coach Bill McDonough

Impact Newsletter: October 2025

October 17, 2025
In this edition: The Space Cookies Soar High and Shatter Stereotypes Join Us for the Second Annual RECF Giving Day Q & A with U.S. Space Force Chief Data & AI Officer Celebrating...
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Impact Newsletter Graphic with REC Foundation logo.

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...
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Impact Newsletter Graphic with REC Foundation logo.

Eaton Offers STEM Opportunities to Students Worldwide

October 7, 2025
The Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF) partners with Eaton, a power management company, to bring access to student-centered robotics programs that embrace inclusivity and innovati...
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Girl Powered panel discussion at VEX Robotics World Championship

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...
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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)...
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Team 1868A poses with their robot

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 ...
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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...
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Jason Eng with his VEX Robotics team

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...
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Team 19085C in their pit at the VEX Robotics World Championship

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...
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Nathan Matlack in the classroom

Empowering Student Leaders Through VEX Robotics: Matt Hilton

June 17, 2025
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 Competiti...
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Matt Hilton, North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics-Morganton, computer science instructor

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...
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Impact Newsletter Graphic with REC Foundation logo.

Impact Newsletter: May 2025

May 30, 2025
In this edition: From Santa Cruz to the World Stage Building Leaders Through JROTC VEX V5 Robotics Competition From World Champion to Volunteer Gaming Meets STEM Education Media Menti...
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Impact Newsletter Graphic with REC Foundation logo.

High-Flying Impact: Gaming Meets STEM Education through Aerial Drone Competition Partnership 

May 28, 2025
For many students, the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation’s (RECF) Aerial Drone Competition is a natural extension of esports and video gaming by turning a familiar, exciting experience ...
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Participant pilots a drone

From World Champion to Volunteer: An Inspiring Robotics Journey to Help Young Innovators

April 16, 2025
For McKenzie Koch, robotics has never just been about the competitions. It’s about growth, both on and off the competition field, by building skills, communities, and confidence. Now, as a soon-to-be...
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Volunteer McKenzie Koch speaks into a microphone during a robotics event

JROTC Cadets Excel in Robotics

May 27, 2025
The Robotics Education & Competition Foundation proudly offers the VEX V5 Robotics Competition (V5RC) to the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine, Space Force, and Coast Guard JROTC programs. Cadets and...
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JROTC Team 11981A accepts an award at the VEX Robotics World Championship

VEX Robotics World Championship Heads to St. Louis in 2026

May 21, 2025
The Robotics Education & Competition Foundation is pleased to announce that the VEX Robotics World Championship will take place in St. Louis, Missouri, in 2026 and 2027. The event will be held in...
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St.Louis skyline onscreen on the stage at the VEX Robotics World Championship, as the new host city for 2026-2027 is announced

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Participants shake hands after match at VEX Robotics World Championship
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Girl Powered robotics team competes at VEX Robotics World Championship.
Girl Powered
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Aerial Drone Competition
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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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