Students from the Owensboro Innovation Academy have secured a spot at the 19th annual VEX Robotics World Championship. The event is presented by the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF) and will showcase the innovative talent of student competitors, taking place April 21-30 at the America’s Center Convention Complex in St. Louis, Missouri. With student-designed and built robots, more than 2,000 teams from nearly all 50 states and dozens of countries will unite on the global stage to showcase innovation, teamwork, and advanced technical skill in fast-paced matches as they compete for the world championship title.
The event spotlights the next generation of engineers, programmers, and problem solvers with students building the real-world STEM and AI-driven skills that power today’s fastest-growing industries and strengthen tomorrow’s workforce. More than a competition, RECF programming serves as a proven workforce pipeline preparing highly skilled talent for in-demand careers. In fact, according to CNM, 79 percent of RECF participants express interest in pursuing STEM-related careers, including 87 percent of high school students.
VEX Robotics Competitions represent the world's largest and fastest-growing competitive robotics programs for elementary, middle, high school, and college-age students. The competition season culminates each spring with the VEX Robotics World Championship. This highly anticipated event unites top qualifying teams from local, state, regional, and international competition events who strive to secure the title of World Champions.
“It’s incredible to watch these students innovate, problem-solve, and collaborate as they code, build, and compete each season. They’re not just playing a game, they’re building the confidence, technical skills, and teamwork that will shape tomorrow’s innovators, all while having a lot of fun along the way,” said Stephanie Gray, robotics coach at OIA.
More information about student robotics competitions can be found here.
About the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF)
The Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF) is a global organization dedicated to increasing student engagement in science, technology, engineering, math, and computer science (STEM) by engaging students in hands-on, curriculum-based robotics and drone programs. Through comprehensive programs encompassing competitions, education, and workforce readiness, the Foundation empowers educators to inspire and equip students for success. The RECF strives to create a future where every student designs and innovates as part of a team, overcomes failure, perseveres, and emerges confident in their ability to meet global challenges. Through sustainable and affordable curriculum-based robotics programs, the RECF inspires students, one robot at a time.