In order to reach a more diverse culture in VEX Competitions, we’ve launched this initiative to start a conversation. Specifically, we are working towards increasing female participation. The Girl Powered grants are open for anyone wanting to start a team that is at least 50% women. Those can be found at RoboticsEducation.org. Girl Powered Workshops are open to all students. It’s important to note that these are separate from VEX Competitions. These workshops do not qualify students for VEX Worlds. In terms of judged awards, the REC Foundation provides guidance and rubrics to the judges, all of who are hard working volunteers, prior to or on the day of events. Nowhere in those rubrics does it mention gender. If you receive an award, it is for your accomplishments, not due to anything else.