The third annual GO TEC® VEX IQ Robotics Competition, which took place on April 10, brought 85 Virginia middle school students to the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR). This year’s event featured 20 teams representing 10 schools, making it the largest competition yet.

Throughout an exciting day of competition, teams demonstrated their skills with student-built and operated VEX IQ Robots, navigating this year’s game, Rapid Relay. On a 6-by-8-foot field, students used their robots to collect, transport and deposit game elements into goal zones.

Each team competed in eight matches, accumulating points through collaborative strategies and individual skills. Awards were presented based on overall scores, teamwork and other special categories, with each participant receiving a custom laser-cut wooden participation medallion.

“It’s exciting to see students develop practical skills in robotics and teamwork, laying the groundwork for successful careers in technology and engineering,” said Angela Rigney, GO TEC Director.

The three winning teams:

•  First Place: Bucky Broncos, O.T. Bonner Middle School
• Second Place: The Algebros, Gretna Middle School
• Third Place: The Chaos Crew, Dinwiddie Middle School

The Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC) team at IALR coordinated the competition, which was supported by valued community and industry partners, including GO Virginia, Virginia Digital Maritime Center and others. Participating schools came from several localities, including:

• Wythe County Public Schools
• Pittsylvania County Schools
• Danville Public Schools
• Dinwiddie Public Schools
• Martinsville Public Schools
• Halifax County Public Schools
• Charlotte County Public Schools
• Franklin County Public Schools

All teams have participated in or are currently enrolled in the GO TEC Career Connections middle school program, which introduces students to high-demand career fields through immersive, hands-on learning experiences.

“This event is such a fun way for students to apply their skills in robotics and automation through teamwork,” said Jacob Taylor, GO TEC Technical and Training Manager. “This competition reinforces the practical elements of our Career Connections curriculum and inspires students to pursue future opportunities in technology and engineering.”

GO TEC promotes workforce readiness and talent development through a collaborative hub-and-spoke model involving K12 school systems, higher education institutions and industry partners. The initiative supports students from middle school through high school, dual enrollment and postsecondary programs, aligning with strategic industry sectors such as precision machining, welding, IT and cybersecurity, robotics and automation, mechatronics and advanced materials. After starting as a pilot program in Danville and Pittsylvania County Schools, GO TEC Career Connections Labs will be in 73 Virginia middle schools in the 2025-2026 academic year.

About IALR

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation with applied research, advanced learning, manufacturing advancement, conference center services and economic development efforts. IALR’s major footprint focuses within Southern Virginia, including the counties of Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg and the cities of Martinsville and Danville.