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Impact Newsletter: August 2025

August 7, 2025
In this edition: Empowering Student Leaders Through VEX Robotics VEX Al Robotics Competition Pushing the Boundaries Girl Powered October Is Just Around the Corner Building Confidence, Co...
Impact Newsletter Graphic with REC Foundation logo.

Empowering Student Leaders Through VEX Robotics: Matt Hilton

June 17, 2025
At North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics-Morganton, computer science instructor Matt Hilton is doing far more than teaching code. As the coach of four competitive VEX V5 Robotics Competiti...
Matt Hilton, North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics-Morganton, computer science instructor

Black History Month 2021 Feature: Aprille Ericsson, Ph.D.

February 18, 2021
Aprille Ericsson, Ph.D. is the New Business Lead for the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Instrument Systems and Technology Division. She is currently a member of the Board of Higher Education and Wo...

Building Confidence, Cultural Connections, and Lifelong Skills Through VEX Robotics

June 17, 2025
John V’Soske, a dedicated educator and VEX Robotics coach at Black Rock Middle School in Villanova, PA, is watching robotics reshape the trajectory of his students’ lives, one challenge and competiti...
Team 19085C in their pit at the VEX Robotics World Championship

From World Champion to Volunteer: An Inspiring Robotics Journey to Help Young Innovators

April 16, 2025
For McKenzie Koch, robotics has never just been about the competitions. It’s about growth, both on and off the competition field, by building skills, communities, and confidence. Now, as a soon-to-be...
Volunteer McKenzie Koch speaks into a microphone during a robotics event

The Robotics Education & Competition (REC) Foundation and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Partner to Offer Greater Academic and Professional Support for Young Women

October 16, 2023
Greenville, TX – October 11, 2023 – To celebrate the International Day of the Girl, The Robotics Education & Competition (REC) Foundation and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) today announced ...
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Submit a Film to the ConnectHER Film Festival 2021!

April 27, 2021
The REC Foundation and Girl Powered initiative is dedicated to redefining the face of STEM, showcasing how women are changing the world and sharing opportunities for girls to get involved. We are exc...
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From Family Roots to Career Success: Nathan Matlack’s Robotics Journey

June 20, 2025
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 star...
Nathan Matlack in the classroom

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
VEX Robotics World Championship landscape logo