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Kettering University and the REC Foundation Partner to Establish 10 New Robotics Scholarships

Scholarships valued at $225,000 offered to students participating in the annual VEX Robotics Competition

August 18, 2014

ROCKWALL, Texas – The Robotics Education & Competition (REC) Foundation and Kettering University today announced a partnership to establish 10 new scholarships for students participating in the annual VEX Robotics Competition, which are valued at $225,000. In addition, Kettering University will participate at the VEX Robotics World Championship as part of College Row on April 15-18, 2015.

“I welcome Kettering University’s involvement in the REC Foundation Scholarship Program, which now exceeds $2 million in awards and provides students in the VEX Robotics Competition the assistance they need as they seek to continue their education.” said Jason Morrella, president of the REC Foundation.

“A fundamental aspect of Kettering University’s experiential education model is the hands-on nature of the curriculum our students engage with in our labs and in their co-op employment placements,” said Kip Darcy, Vice President for Marketing, Communication and Enrollment, Kettering University. “This is a great opportunity for Kettering to partner with an organization that is developing those hands-on, technical skills in students at young ages.”

The REC Foundation manages the VEX IQ Challenge, the VEX Robotics Competition, and VEX U, which provides more than 10,000 teams of students worldwide with hands-on, curriculum-based robotics engineering programs while also offering valuable teamwork and problem-solving experience. Teams compete year-round at more than 800+ events, which culminate in April at the VEX Robotics World Championship.

Kettering University’s new scholarship offerings will expand the overall scholarship program to more than $2 million available to students participating in the VEX Robotics Competition. Kettering University will manage the application process and students must apply by March 1, 2015. To learn more about the REC Foundation Scholarship Program and the Kettering University application and requirements, please visit www.RoboticsEducation.org/Scholarships.

About the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation

The REC Foundation seeks to increase student interest and involvement in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) by engaging students in hands-on, sustainable and affordable curriculum-based robotics engineering programs across the U.S. and internationally. The REC Foundation develops partnerships with K-12 education, higher education, government, industry, and the non-profit community to achieve this work.

About Kettering University

Kettering University is a national leader in experiential STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education, integrating an intense academic curriculum with applied professional experience. Through this proven approach we inspire students to realize their potential and advance their ideas by combining theory and practice better than any institution in the world. Kettering University is dedicated to achieving the extraordinary through technological innovation, leadership and service, built on values that foster respect, integrity, creativity, collaboration and excellence in growth, global leadership, community outreach and an engaged community of stakeholders.

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.
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