For nearly twenty years, the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF) has worked in close partnership with VEX Robotics to build a strong foundation for STEM education and competitive r...
We hear you, and we are listening.
There is a tremendous amount of anxiety, confusion, and concern in our community right now, and we are not ignoring it. As any student in our programs knows, rea...
The Aerial Drone Competition’s inaugural signature event was held this spring in Terre Haute, IN. The Aerial Drone Competition’s March Madness: Hoosier Edition brought nearly 50 drone teams from acro...
Elevate your STEM skills with the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation Aerial Drone Competition Pro (ADC Pro), a new competition for students ages 13+ designed to bridge the gap between th...
In the small town of Pineville, LA, the Thompson family is redefining what it means to be a “tech family.”
Parents, Lauren and Jacob Thompson, are self-identifying country people who keep a ...
When the world shut down during COVID-19, Ayushmaan Bellum, then a sixth-grader from Folsom, CA, found himself isolated, bored, and unsure where to channel his curiosity. What began as a simple sugge...
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...
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...
“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...
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...
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...
March 20, 2026
In this edition:
Congratulations
Payment Deadline
Lodging Requirements
Meal Vouchers
Robot Shipping
Coach Training Webinar on March 25
Judging
Parade of...
March 13, 2026
In this edition:
Congratulations
Payment Deadline
Lodging Requirements
Judging
Coach Training Webinar
Drivers Meeting
Participant Release Forms
Visa and...
March 3, 2026
In this edition:
Congratulations
Payment Deadline
Lodging Requirements
Coach Training Webinar on March 25
Interested in Volunteering?
Drivers Meeting
Partic...
In this edition:
Celebrating Our VEX Robotics Event Region Championships
Building More Than Robots
The VEX Robotics World Championship Explores a New City
A Bridge to a Bright Future
...
In this edition:
Special Olympics Texas Unified VEX Robotics Competition
Q&A With Scott Ransom from HAND ERC
Celebrating 10 Years of Innovation at the Kalahari Classic Signature VEX Rob...
In this edition:
From Competition Fields to Career Paths: The Power of AI and Robotics
Aerial Drone Competition’s First Signature Event
More Insights from U.S. Space Force Chief Data ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
An Event Partner wanting to apply to host a Signature Event must have hosted events for at least 2 seasons prior to applying.
Signature Events must use the officially branded award banners for the Excellence Award and Tournament/Teamwork Champions Award.
When hanging field skirts the VEX Robotics logo/brand name can not be covered up on the competition fields.
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).
Minimum pit size reduced to 8’x 8’ instead of 10’x10’.
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
Existing Signature Events only need to complete the Final Application (due by March 31, 2025)
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.
