In this edition:
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 started the VEX Robotics program at their local school district and remains a coach to this day. Additionally, Kristi is part of the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation’s esteemed STEM Hall of Fame. His father, Clint, was equally involved throughout the years by volunteering at tournaments and later joining the RECF after retiring from a long career in the technology industry.
“College is a great path for some, but I wanted real-world experience. Robotics helped me develop the skills and confidence to go right into the workforce.”
–Nathan Matlack, Robotic Application Engineer, Gosiger Automation
The RECF’s Online Challenges are creative, skill-building competitions that students can participate in from anywhere in the world. Teams explore STEM topics, develop new skills, and share their ideas with a global audience all without stepping onto a competition field. Beginning with the 2025-26 season, these challenges are organized into three themed cycles, each designed to inspire students in unique ways. Every cycle includes a mix of brand-new and returning challenges that spark creativity, build technical skills, and highlight student impact.
Cycle 1 – Ignite
Cycle 2 & Cycle 3 – Innovate & Impact
Release date: November 2025
The all-girls VEX IQ Robotics Competition Team 6855B Warrior VEX from The Westminster Christian School in Palmetto Bay, Florida is bringing new talent and representation to the world of robotics and a new spin on sports and athleticism. These six young Hispanic students have not only built a winning team making it all the way to the 2025 VEX Robotics World Championship, but have also built a lasting bond and earned their share of accolades along the way.
While their passion for robotics is clear, these students see a future beyond the competition field. Several team members expressed interest in careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), with one even mentioning a desire to become a robotic surgeon. Another wants to work for NASA, building tech supplies for the space agency.
The International Robotics Honor Society (IRHS) recognizes students not only for their efforts on competitive robotics teams, but for academics, personal character, and community service. Students with exceptional academic standing have the opportunity to apply for membership in a local chapter of the IRHS to earn nationally recognized graduation honors for their participation in a host of high school robotics competitions.
“As a Hispanic individual, the International Robotics Honor Society (IRHS) has been crucial in providing me access to otherwise unavailable opportunities. Through IRHS, I’ve engaged in STEM activities and competitions both within school clubs and beyond, fueling my passion for robotics and exposing me to diverse engineering fields.”
–Juan Gonzalez, Team 11476X, LionTech X, Mater Academy Charter High School
This summer, RECF students attended the Student Association for STEM Advocacy’s (SASA) National Advocacy Conference. Young voices from our community came together to communicate the importance of investing in education and technology for the next generation and directly engage with policymakers, pushing for the changes they want to see. It was a powerful reminder of the work the RECF does every day to give every student the tools and opportunities they need to thrive and equip them with the skills they need to succeed in the workforce.
Hear more about current highlights of RECF programs and participants. See some of the most recent stories about our teams, events, and partnerships here:
