Drive Forward News: January 2025

Welcome to the first Drive Forward News edition of 2025! Thanks for reading!

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Breaking Boundaries with the Game Design Committee at VEX Robotics

The VEX Robotics Game Design Committee (GDC) is making waves in the world of robotics competition. Bailey Kahl, a member of the GDC, recently shared the committee’s bold new direction in game development during a Drive Forward News interview. This year, the team decided to shed self-imposed limitations, encouraging creativity and innovation to shine. One standout example is the introduction of a third drive team member in Rapid Relay, a feature many thought impossible.

Bailey described the thrill of witnessing the community’s immediate reactions to game reveals, noting how students and teams find new strategies and solutions the GDC never anticipated during the game’s creation. This dynamic exchange underscores the passion and ingenuity of the VEX Robotics community, with 20,000 minds exploring countless possibilities from a single reveal.

Additionally, the GDC is prioritizing transparency and feedback by inviting input through [email protected]. They strive to balance the needs of competitors, coaches, and volunteers while crafting games that are fun, accessible, and rewarding for everyone involved. During the interview, Bailey also emphasized the importance of volunteers, whose dedication enables competitions to thrive.

As the GDC continues to refine its approach and embrace fresh ideas, the future of VEX Robotics promises to be more exciting than ever.

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Discover New Insights from VEX PD+: Stories of Collaboration and Critical Skills in Robotics

At VEX Robotics, we believe STEM education goes beyond coding and engineering. Two featured articles on VEX PD+ Insights highlight how robotics fosters essential skills like collaboration, communication, and spatial reasoning.

Why Spatial Skills Matter at Every Level

Dr. Jimmy Lin explores the importance of spatial reasoning in STEM education. Hands-on robotics activities, like programming robots and assembling components, strengthen students’ problem-solving abilities and prepare them for future STEM careers.

These articles remind us that robotics education empowers students to think critically, work collaboratively, and thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Explore both articles and more at VEX PD+ Insights.

  • Research shows that strong spatial reasoning correlates with success in STEM fields.
  • Hands-on robotics activities, like programming robots to navigate or assembling components, provide authentic opportunities to develop these skills.
  • VEX Robotics’ emphasis on combining physical builds with coding encourages students to think critically and solve 3D challenges.

Jimmy’s article reminds educators that spatial reasoning isn’t innate—it can be developed through intentional, hands-on learning experiences that empower students for future success.

Stories from a Local Robotics Competition

Author Alaina Haws, Senior Education Developer at VEX Robotics, recounts her visit to a VEX IQ Robotics Competition, where students showcased teamwork and perseverance. Some highlights include:

  • Deaf students teaching hearing peers the ASL alphabet to strategize effectively.
  • Younger teams learning from experienced veterans, building mentorship and mutual growth.
  • Teams celebrating progress and embracing trial and error to improve.

This story shows us how robotics competitions are more than technical challenges—they’re about building life skills and resilience.

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Heads Up: February is CTE Month

Celebrate Career and Technical Education and its impact on students and educators. Additional resources are available in the VEX Library.

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February’s Signature Events Spotlight Global VEX Robotics Talent

February promises to be an exhilarating month for the VEX Robotics community as teams gather for a series of Signature Events worldwide. These events highlight the ingenuity, teamwork, and competitive spirit that define the VEX Robotics experience.

Here’s a snapshot of what’s ahead:

Signature Events are a testament to the dedication and talent of VEX Robotics teams, providing a platform for competitors to innovate, problem-solve, and inspire. Follow along with the excitement and celebrate the achievements of these passionate students! Stay updated here. 

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The 2025 VEX Robotics Educators Conference:  Discover the Educators Lounge

New for 2025 is The Educators Lounge at the VEX Robotics Educators Conference (Wednesday May 7 through Friday, May 9, 2025). This new addition to what will already be an amazing conference will serve as an exhibition-style space designed for continuous interaction and collaboration throughout the entire conference. Presentations in this space will highlight best practices, foster meaningful conversations about VEX Robotics and STEM education, and share innovative ideas for attendees to take back to their classrooms. Guided demos of new products, including VEX AIM, will be featured, alongside a coffee station to keep the energy flowing.

You asked, we listened: Based on attendee feedback from previous years, the lounge provides the perfect environment to exchange ideas, connect with like-minded peers, and experience the spirit of collaboration. A key highlight of the lounge will be the Networking Happy Hour, taking place on May 7 from 4:30–6:30 PM.

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Jason McKenna Named to Remake Learning Council

VEX Robotics is proud to announce that Jason McKenna, Director of Global Educational Strategy, has been named to the prestigious Remake Learning Council. This honor recognizes Jason’s leadership and innovative contributions to STEM education and his dedication to preparing students for a rapidly evolving future.

The Remake Learning Council is part of the Remake Learning Network, a collaborative initiative focused on reimagining education through technology, creativity, and community engagement. As a council member, Jason will help guide the network’s vision, contributing to strategies and programs.

This achievement underscores Jason’s role as a thought leader in education, with opportunities to collaborate with experts across disciplines and shape impactful initiatives. VEX Robotics congratulates Jason McKenna on this well-deserved recognition and looks forward to the continued advancements his work will bring to STEM education.

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That’s a wrap on January’s Drive Forward News! We hope these stories have inspired you to kick off the year with creativity, collaboration, and a passion for pushing boundaries—just like the VEX Robotics community always does. Stay curious, stay innovative, and as always, keep driving forward.

Here’s to an amazing 2025 filled with big ideas and even bigger wins! 🚀

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