Statewide Outreach Center at Texas School for the Deaf

The Robotics Education & Competition (REC) Foundation, has partnered with the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) and the Statewide Outreach Center to offer support and training for up to 25 new competitive VEX robotics teams which have players who are deaf or hard of hearing. This is an incredible opportunity for students and adults to explore and further study science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to increase their skills and knowledge.

High school students interested in VEX robotics can form a team and play on a competitive level to form a new competitive robotics team. We also welcome adults interested in being a coach or mentor. A background in STEM or robotics is not required for students or interested adults.

Forming a Team

Up to 25 new VEX robotic teams will receive a VEX V5 robotics kit ($1,500 value) plus $150 for the initial competition registration fee. Teams must be newly established and have team players who are deaf or hard of hearing. 

Teams are composed of four players, though all four players do not have to be deaf or hard of hearing. School districts that serve mainstreamed students or provide itinerant services can form teams with other hearing students. School districts will receive support coordinating this effort. To get started, contact us.

Team Players

Students do not have to have prior experience or knowledge of robotics to join a team. To join a VEX robotics team, students must 

• Be deaf or hard of hearing 
• Have completed 8th grade or currently in 9th-12th grades
• Be committed to team practices and VEX robotic events
  
  

Team Coaches

Team coaches are critical as guides for a VEX robotics team. Training is provided to all coaches, regardless of skill levels or STEM background. Teachers, teacher aides, parents, community professionals or other educational staff are all eligible to be team coaches.

Signature Events

Signature Events are competitions where VEX robotics teams compete against each other, giving students an incredible opportunity to experience competitive robotics. With the expansion of VEX robotics teams to include students who are deaf or hard of hearing, we aim to host a Signature Event specifically designed for such teams. Check back, or follow us on social media, about future events.

Training Opportunities

VEX robotics training offered through SOC

Interested in learning more about how to apply robotics in your classroom? Curious about establishing a VEX robotics competition team for your deaf or hard of hearing community? SOC at TSD is proud to offer both onsite workshops and individualized professional development to help improve your knowledge about VEX robotics. The VEX robotics curriculum explores the various strengths of STEM that VEX offers, such as mathematics, engineering, technical writing, coding, and many other skills offered to students to benefit them as they eventually explore various career pathways which utilize these skill sets.

STEM Related Trainings offered through NRSC

If you are looking to enrich your STEM knowledge and create a STEM rich environment in your school, the National Technical Institute for the Deaf’s Regional STEM Center (NRSC) located in Alabama, offers several teacher-focused workshops. NRSC designs workshops to touch specific STEM areas which you, as an educational professional, can determine.