Frequently Asked Questions

What does the State Robotics Grant include?

Awardees of the VEX GO Elementary Classroom STEM grant will receive the following:

Awardees of the VEX IQ Middle School Classroom Robotics grant will receive the following:

  • Teacher training and support for awarded educators

Awardees of the VEX V5 High School Classroom Robotics grant will receive the following:

  • Teacher training and support for awarded educators

Awardees of the VEX IQ Elementary or Middle School After-School grant will receive the following:

  • (1) VEX IQ Competition Kit

  • (1) VEX IQ Field and Game Elements kit

  • (1) Team Registration for one VEX IQ team

  • Robotics coaches training and support for awarded educators

Awardees of the VRC Middle or High School grant will receive the following:

  • (1) VEX V5 Competition Starter Kit

  • (1) VEX V5 Field and Game Elements kit

  • (1) Team Registration for one VEX VRC Challenge team

  • Robotics training and support for awarded educators

What is VEX ?

VEX is an exciting robotics platform that transforms science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning for young students. Participants put together VEX parts and build a simple yet powerful robot to explore open-ended challenges, which are designed to enhance their STEM skills. Classrooms and teams will love constructing, driving, and programming their robots in 60-second Teamwork Challenge matches and testing their skills individually during two optional 60-second Robot and Programming Challenges. Check out VEX robotics in action: Highlight Video

Who can apply?

  • VEX GO Classroom Robotics Grant - Elementary School (1st-5th) - Any Indiana educator (grades 1st - 5th) whose school does not already have an VEX GO equipment.

  • VEX IQ Robotics Start-Up Grant - Elementary School (1st-5th) - Any Indiana educator (grades 1st - 5th) whose school does not already have an Elementary VEX IQ Robotics team. Elementary School team members should be students born after May 1, 2013 (i.e. who will be 12 or younger at VEX Worlds 2025).

  • VEX IQ Robotics Start-Up Grant - Middle School (6th-8th) - Any Indiana educator (grades 6th - 8th) whose school does not already have a Middle VEX IQ Robotics team. Middle School team members should be students born after May 1, 2010 (i.e. who will be 15 or younger at VEX Worlds 2025) who are not considered elementary students.

  • VEX VRC Robotics Start-Up Grant - High School (9th-12th) - Any Indiana educator (grades 9th - 12th) whose school does not already have a VEX VRC Robotics team.

  • VEX IQ Robotics Start-Up Grant - Non-profit 501c3 (1st-12th) - Any Indiana non-profit educator employed by a 501c3 that serves students grades 1st-12th that does not already have a VEX robotics team. The applicant should consider the eligibility rules above to determine if they will register an elementary, middle school or high school VEX team.

What are the terms and conditions for the State Robotics Grant?

Please see Elementary School Terms and Conditions, Middle School Terms and Conditions, or High School Terms and Conditions for full grant requirements. 

What questions will be asked on the grant? 

Applicants should be prepared to answer the questions in the Proposal Summary of the grant. 

Will I get training?

Yes! We want to make sure EVERY educator is comfortable with the robotics kit, robotics team management, and competition. We will be hosting required robotics training sessions for educators who are awarded the grant. 

What additional expenses can I anticipate?

  • VEX GO - In addition to the VEX GO Classroom Bundle, you may consider additional Classroom kits for smaller group sizes. Some teachers may also want to purchase the optional competition kit for $299. For more VEX GO product details, visit: www.vexrobotics.com/go-kits

  • VEX IQ - In addition to the VEX IQ Super-Kit that is included in the Start-Up Grant you may consider additional VEX parts. For more VEX IQ product details, visit: www.vexrobotics.com/vexiq/products. Some teams may want to consider purchasing team t-shirts, snacks during meetings, and travel arrangements to local and regional competitions; however, many teams seek out local companies who are willing to sponsor the team and cover the cost of these items. 

Teams will also need to participate in at least one competition which costs between $30-$50 and is not covered by the grant. Teams should also budget for their $200 team registration during the 2nd year of the grant as well, which is not covered by the grant.  TPY will share various grant opportunities with teams to help cover this cost. Many teams seek out local companies who are willing to sponsor the team and cover the cost of these items.

How much after school time will coaching a team involve?

Create a schedule that best meets your team’s availability, needs, objectives, and resources. For younger students, it may be helpful to limit meeting length to no more than two hours once a week. As competitions approach, your team may decide to meet more frequently in order to better prepare for their participation in competition. The average team spends around 1-2 hours per week for 6-12 weeks to build their robot. Teachers could even use classroom time to build their robot. 

How long is a robotics season?

The robotics season runs parallel to the school year. Most teams are assembled within the first 6-8 weeks of the school year and then attend their first competition by November. Coaches can choose to participate in as many competitions as you’d like. The season ends near the end of February then the state competition takes place in March, and the world competition in April/May.

When are competitions?

Local and regional competitions in Indiana typically start in October and go through February. The Indiana state competition will be in March. The world championship is in April and held in Dallas, TX. Almost all competitions are held on Saturdays except for the Worlds Championship. 

 Will my team have to attend a robotics competition?

Yes, each team is expected to attend at least one local event. You and your students will have so much fun that you will want to compete as much as you can. Read about a rookie VEX IQ team's first robotics competition on our blog!

How much do competitions cost? 

  • VEX IQ competitions range between $40-$60 per team

  • VEX VRC competitions range between $60-$80

What is the size of a team? How many students?

  • VEX IQ - There is no limit on team size, although at least three members are strongly encouraged. For a teacher, a classroom can be a team. However, a typical team size ranges from 3-12 students with an ideal ratio of 4-6 students per robotics kit.

  • VEX VRC - Typical team sizes range from 3-12 students. It can be beneficial for both teachers and students to start with smaller team numbers. A larger team will likely require additional robot kits. Teams can consist of students from multiple grades.

Can I have additional teams?

Yes! You can add additional teams at your school for an extra $150 registration fee per team, plus you will need an additional robotics kit, which will not be covered by the grant.

Does a team need access to computers? Will a Tablet, Chrome Book, or iPad work?

It is recommended that a team have access to a computer with an internet connection in order to utilize the free online curriculum and programming resources. Your robot can move and operate without programming; however, students will want to learn how to program their robots as their design becomes more advanced. Tablets, Chromebooks, and iPads will work for gathering resources; however, you will not be able to program your robot without a Windows or Mac machine.

Will software be provided?

  • VEX provides free graphical programming software called VEXcodeblocks which allows for custom robot commands, sensor interactions, and more.

What type of work area do I need?

  • VEX IQ - A classroom is a perfect size for your team to work. With the full-sized 6’x8’ field you can easily disassemble the field into smaller easy-to-store sections.

  • VEX VRC - A VRC playing field is 12’x12’ and you’ll need extra room for building the robots and storing parts.

Where can I get more information about the Game Challenge?

Who do I contact If I have additional questions?

You can contact us at RobotGrant@techpointyouth.org.