Competitive Robotics

The VEX IQ Robotics Competition, hosted by the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation, is an exciting opportunity for elementary and middle school students to engage in STEM education. Through dynamic, open-ended challenges, students design, build, and program robots while building real-world skills in problem-solving, innovation, and teamwork.

More than just a competition, Robotic Teams empower kids to grow as future engineers and leaders. Helping them develop critical thinking, project management, communication, and collaboration skills that set them up for success both in school and beyond.

EFK Teams

We are proud to participate in the VEX IQ Robotics Competition. Our teams are a great option for homeschool students and kids who attend schools that don’t have a robotics team.

• Elementary School Team: Grades 4-5
• Middle School Team: Grade 6-8
• Team Size: 3-5 students
• Robot System: VEX IQ
• Coding Language: Scratch, Python, C++
• CAD Tools: Onshape
• Season: September – May

A Student-Centered Approach

Our VEX IQ teams are student-led from start to finish. Students take ownership of designing, building, coding, and strategizing for each year’s challenge. Meanwhile, mentors act as guides, not directors. This hands-on approach encourages kids to:

• Persevere through challenges and learn from failure.
• Collaborate with peers and strengthen communication.
• Build leadership and problem-solving skills that last a lifetime.

By keeping the process student-centered, we ensure every participant truly learns how to think, create, and innovate on their own.

Team Selection Process

Team members are selected from students who have participated in our classes, camps, and workshops. Staff recommendations help identify students who demonstrate:

• Willingness to Learn – eager to grow and take on challenges.
• Commitment – dedicated to consistent effort throughout the season.
• Maturity & Responsibility – reliable, accountable, and respectful.
• Enthusiasm & Character – showing passion, positivity, and integrity.

Teams are formed in early August each year for the upcoming season.

If you are interested in learning more, please fill out the form below

Submit Form

Team Mentor

Leo Silva

Since 2015, I’ve been able to bring the excitement of STEM education to as many students as possible. Since 2018, I’ve had the privilege of teaching robotics and mentoring VEX IQ Robotics teams, guiding young innovators as they explore engineering, coding, and teamwork. Along the way, I’ve been honored with recognitions such as Teacher of the Year and Volunteer of the Year, and I’ve proudly served as a referee, judge, and event partner at tournaments both locally and at Vex Worlds.

What truly inspires me, though, are the moments when students light up with discovery. Whether it’s solving a tough challenge, building their first robot, or experiencing that unforgettable “aha!” moment. My mission is to spark creativity, build confidence, and support the next generation of problem solvers as they prepare to shape the future.