Robotics Education & Competition Foundation logo

News

Latest Updates

Building Career Pathways Through Robotics: Bill McDonough’s Seven-Year Internship for the Real World

October 11, 2025
For over three decades in education, Bill McDonough has been helping students discover their voice, build confidence, and shape their future. Through robotics, he created what he calls a “seven...
More
Robotics coach Bill McDonough

Eaton Offers STEM Opportunities to Students Worldwide

October 7, 2025
The Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF) partners with Eaton, a power management company, to bring access to student-centered robotics programs that embrace inclusivity and innovati...
More
Girl Powered panel discussion at VEX Robotics World Championship

The Power of Purpose: Chandra Donelson on Leadership, Innovation, and STEM Education

October 3, 2025
The Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF) is proud to collaborate with Chandra Donelson, a trailblazer at the intersection of public service, technology, and storytelling. As the Chi...
More
Chandra Donelson holds the book she co-wrote,

The Space Cookies Soar High and Shatter Stereotypes as the Next Generation in STEM 

September 29, 2025
Located in Mountain View, CA, this team is building much more than robots; they’re building a future where women are at the forefront of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)...
More
Team 1868A poses with their robot

Impact Newsletter: September 2025

September 13, 2025
In this edition: From Family Roots to Career Success: Nathan Matlack’s VEX Robotics Journey Ignite. Innovate. Impact. RECF Online Challenges Open for 2025-2026 Bringing Representation to th...
More
Impact Newsletter Graphic with REC Foundation logo.

These Girls Are Bringing Representation To The World of Robotics

September 10, 2025
The all-girls VEX IQ Robotics Competition Team 6855B Warrior VEX at The Westminster Christian School in Palmetto Bay, Florida is bringing new talent and representation to the world of robotics and a ...
More
Team 6855B at the VEX Robotics World Championship

Building Futures in Central Washington: Coach Jason Eng’s VEX Robotics Journey

August 25, 2025
When Jason Eng first introduced robotics at Mount Stuart Elementary in Ellensburg, Washington, he wanted to give his students a unique learning experience. Looking back, Eng had no idea that nearly a...
More
Jason Eng with his VEX Robotics team

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...
More
Impact Newsletter Graphic with REC Foundation logo.

Categories

Join our mailing list
Newsletter Archive
Donate
Events
Privacy Policy Terms of Service Acceptable Use Policy
© Robotics Education & Competition Foundation. 2024. All rights reserved.

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
REC Foundation Logo White
VEX Robotics World Championship logo