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STEM Hero

Greg Ballard

About
STEM Hall of Fame profile picture for Greg Ballard inducted in 2016.

23-year Marine veteran; 48th Mayor of Indianapolis (2008-2015) and creator of the Indianapolis City Championship for VEX Robotics; Visiting Fellow at University of Indianapolis.

Details

Wisdom: Robotics competitions are not only about increasing STEM knowledge. They provide avenues to learn about team building, strategy, persistence, collaboration, how to win and lose gracefully, and risk taking. I’ve seen so many students’ lives changed as a result of these competitions. It is humbling to have been a part of it all.
Award: STEM Hero
Year: 2016
Title: Indianapolis Mayor (2008-15)
Location: Indiana, USA
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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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