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Inspiration All Star

Steve Rhoads

About
STEM Hall of Fame profile picture for Steve Rhoads inducted in 2023.
Details
Wisdom: My primary interest is in inspiring kids to pursue STEM careers. Every kid--and I mean EVERY kid--I have worked with becomes excited about learning more math, science and engineering... to win in competitions. These wins lead kids to a better self-image and a more enterprising attitude.
Award: Mentor of the Year
Year: 2010
Title: Co-creator
Organization: STEM Robotics
Team: Multiple Schools
Location: Pennsylvania, USA

Steve Rhoads earned an undergraduate degree in Economics, and an MBA from RPI. He is a former US Air Force Captain and pilot of the KC-135-A and a co-creator of STEM Robotics, a 501c3 non-profit organization, with Foster Shucker.

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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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