The REC Foundation provides elementary, middle school, and high school-age youth as well as college students with unique opportunities to participate in high-quality and affordable STEM-based competitive robotics programs and competitions using the VEX Robotics platform. These programs serve as a tool for student engagement in STEM, while also developing critical life skills and preparing students for the 21st-century workforce.
What makes our program unique is that it has been vetted and studied for efficacy through outside, third-party reviews.
A study by the Utah State University shows that VEX Robotics Participants show critical 21st century STEM career skills:
97% — Persistence in patients
96% — Collaboration with peers
93% — Show positive work ethic
97% — Develop design iterations
90% — Program conditional statements
90% — Maintain engineer notebooks
88% — Increase of commitment to goals
Four out of five educators report that students participating in VEX are more aware of STEM careers after participating in VEX Competitions.
Nine out of ten students expressed interest in pursuing STEM careers after participating in VEX programs.
Over 90% of our team mentors responding to a survey indicated that the students have an improved view of STEM activities and careers.
While we have accomplished a great deal over the past few years, our goal is to continue to reach and impact even more youth, with a particular focus on young women and students in underserved communities. Our participants go on to become scientists, engineers and leaders in their universities and communities.
Whether it is classroom-based learning, a competitive event, workshop or camp, the REC Foundation understands the level of commitment needed to develop and foster student participation. We rely on the support of our corporate and foundation partners to sustain and expand the program each year. We welcome you to join our family of sponsors and partners in any or all of the following ways:
There are endless ways that you and your company can help.