In this edition:
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). Meet Space Cookies VEX, team 1868A, an all-girls robotics team whose recent competitive season has been nothing short of extraordinary, culminating at the 2025 VEX Robotics World Championship.
The Space Cookies’ experience sheds light on the unique challenges and immense benefits of having more women in STEM. The troop president, Harshini, gave her thoughts, “I think the great thing about Space Cookies and being on a team with all girls is being able to share experiences with other girls and pushing each other to be better in the field of engineering and the field of STEM.” She added, “When there are more perspectives, we can innovate better than just having one perspective, or the male perspective.”
The Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF) will host its second annual Giving Day on October 21! Our global mission to provide every educator with competition, education, and workforce readiness programs to increase student engagement in science, technology, engineering, math, and computer science is made possible with the support of our community.
As a non-profit organization, the RECF relies on the generosity of individuals like you to continue our important work. Your donation makes a tangible difference in the lives of countless students. Be a part of the movement to bring robotics to communities just like yours, and save the date by clicking the link below.
The RECF is proud to collaborate with Chandra Donelson, a trailblazer at the intersection of public service, technology, and storytelling. As the Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer for the United States Space Force, Donelson brings deep technical leadership. She’s also an advocate for innovation and the author of The Data Detective at the Carnival, a children’s book that demystifies data for the next generation. We got to know her better and explore her approach to creating an exciting career in STEM, as well as inspiring young minds along the way.
Last month, we launched the Aerial Drone Competition Mission 2026: Time Warp, celebrating our seventh season of drone competitions. The RECF’s Aerial Drone Competition is more than just an exciting sporting event; it is a hands-on, interactive experience that develops the next generation of innovators. This program offers a unique hands-on learning experience for middle and high school students, developing essential STEM skills such as drone piloting, programming, and problem-solving. Students don’t just learn about drones, they become masters in collaborating effectively, honing communication skills, and building the resilience needed to tackle future challenges, all while having fun and making new friends. The competition environment mirrors the real world, requiring teamwork, critical thinking, and innovation to navigate game challenges. This fosters a deep understanding of flight principles, documentation, and interpersonal skills, all while igniting a passion for drone-related careers. The Aerial Drone Competition is recommended for students in grades 5 through 12.
Through the RECF’s partnership with Eaton, robotics programs are made accessible to a wide range of students through student-centered programs that embrace an inclusive approach, aiming to provide opportunities for students of all backgrounds and abilities, especially beginners. During the 2024-2025 season the funding provided by Eaton supported teams attending 14 Signature Events and National Championships as well as individual teams in the USA, 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.
Kettering/GMI Alumni Association is offering sponsorships for robotics teams.
Learn more about the Department of Defense SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program.
Join the ARM Institute’s RoboticsCareers.org workshop on October 28 at 6:30 PM ET.
Hear more about current highlights of RECF programs and participants. See some of the most recent stories about our teams, events, and partnerships here:
