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Eaton Offers STEM Opportunities to Students Worldwide

October 7, 2025
Girl Powered panel discussion at VEX Robotics World Championship

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 innovation. With their support, the RECF is breaking down barriers so that students of all backgrounds and abilities, including beginners, can explore STEM and discover pathways to future careers.

Expanding Access to Robotics Competitions

During the 2024–2025 season, Eaton’s support has enabled students worldwide to experience the transformative power of robotics. Their funding allows teams to participate in 14 Signature Events and National Championships, with representation from the United States, Europe, Canada, Central America, the Caribbean, and the Apache Tribal Nation. Eaton will host the LAUNCH VEX V5 Robotics Competition Signature Event at its headquarters in Beachwood, Ohio, on November 14–15, welcoming students, educators, and mentors to compete and connect in an inspiring environment.

Girl Powered panel discussion at VEX Robotics World Championship

Impact at the VEX Robotics World Championship

At the 2025 VEX Robotics World Championship, Eaton’s partnership created memorable experiences for thousands of students and educators. Branded Power Stations across the venue kept attendees connected while underscoring Eaton’s commitment to innovation and accessibility. Eaton also supported Girl Powered panel discussions, bringing a variety of industry leaders to the stage to share their journeys and inspire the next generation of young women to see themselves in STEM careers.

Eaton field at the VEX Robotics World Championship

Investing in the Future Workforce

Eaton’s investment extends beyond the world championship through its support of the CTE Workcells for the Factory Automation Competition (FAC). They are equipping schools and organizations across Brazil and the United States with hands-on tools for advanced manufacturing and automation training. These workcells help students gain practical skills in automation, skills that directly translate to careers in engineering and manufacturing. By bringing these opportunities to communities worldwide, Eaton is helping to close the talent gap and prepare the workforce of tomorrow.

RECF’s partnership with Eaton reflects a shared belief in the power of opportunity and innovation. By investing in students today, Eaton is helping to build a strong and well-prepared pipeline of STEM leaders ready to tackle the challenges of the future.

Girl Powered panel discussion at 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
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