Robotics Education & Competition Foundation
Inspiring students, one robot at a time.

VRC High School - Girl Powered Online Challenge Sponsored by Google

Girl Powered is an initiative to redefine the face of STEM and make robotics look more like the diverse world we live in. Google and the REC Foundation are committed to highlighting how exciting it is to be involved with STEM, showcasing examples of how women are changing the world, providing tools for success, and creating environments where all students' confidence and abilities can flourish. Entries for this challenge will help show the robotics community at large just what it means to be a Girl Powered robotics team!

Share your compelling, engaging stories that give us insight into how you’ve incorporated the Girl Powered initiative into your experience on a VEX IQ or VEX Robotics Competition team. How does your team recruit a diverse set of members and support them in trying new things and reaching outside their comfort zones? Your individual stories will highlight and encourage new experiences, a diverse culture, and a more inclusive definition of what a roboticist looks like.

 

Grade Level Requirements
Elementary School Middle School High School College / University No Grade Level Restrictions
Program Requirements
VEX V5 Robotics Competition

Prizes

1st: $500 VEX Robotics gift certificate and automatic team qualification for this season's VEX Robotics World Championship

4 Finalists: $100 VEX Robotics gift certificate

Finalists and winners will be selected at each of the following programs and grade ranges, for a total of four (4) prize packages:

  • VEX IQ Elementary School

  • VEX IQ Middle School

  • VRC Middle School

  • VRC High School

Eligibility

Teams must be part of a registered VIQC or VRC team for the current season. 

  • This page is for VRC High School enteries only - if you are any other program or grade level, please refer to www.enterwebsitehere.com to find the correct page for your program and grade level.

  • Only one entry per team is permitted. However, each team in a multi-team school or club program may submit one entry. For example, teams 123A and 123B could each submit an entry, but team 123A could not submit two entries. Entries must vary in content and presentation to be considered separate entries. 

  • Entries submitted in previous years’ Online Challenges are not eligible for submission this year.

Requirements

Rules of the Challenge

 

Think of this as a pictorial essay. Your submission should be created using a combination of imagery (photography, drawings, screen captures, etc.) and supporting text.

Things to keep in mind for a successful submission:

  • When you hear the phrase “Girl Powered,” what comes to mind? How is it reflected in your team’s approach to robotics?

  • How does your team take initiative to create a more inclusive environment that attracts a diverse group of students?

  • Do team members try various roles on the team (designing, building, driving, programming, strategy, awards, etc.), and what do they learn from this experience?

  • How do you believe diversity of perspective changes your robot design, your team chemistry, and even your ability to succeed?

  • Who is your STEM role model, and why? Does this person inspire you to have a more inclusive team/program? How?

 

Technical Details

 

A submission must meet these minimum requirements in order to be judged.

  1. Story is created and produced solely by student team members. It is acceptable for adults to assist with downloading any necessary resources or submitting the story where students may need permission. 

  2. Format: One PDF file (up to 20MB).

  3. Size: 500 - 1500 Words.

  1. Title Page:  Each entry must include a title page that includes

  • Tile of submission

  • Names of students who participated (using first names only is acceptable)

  • Team number 

  • Location of team

 

Upload Instructions

 
  • Click the green Enter Challenge button on the right side of the screen.

  • Fill out the submission form and type your team number in the Full Description box.  No other information should be added to this box.

  • Click Save.

  • Click the blue Files/Images button in the upper right of the screen.

  • Drag/drop your PDF file into the Upload a File box.

  • Edit the Display Name and file information to include your entry name and team number.

  • Save your edits and click Update on the entry screen.

  • Click the blue All Entries button to confirm that your submission is visible.

Judging Information

  • Up to 15 points for describing what the phrase “Girl Powered” means to the author(s) and how it impacts their approach to robotics

  • Up to 15 points for describing how the team takes initiative to create a more inclusive environment that attracts a diverse group of students

  • Up to 15 points for describing how team members are encouraged to try various roles on the team (designing, building, driving, programming, strategy, awards, etc.), and what they learn from this experience

  • Up to 15 points for explaining how diversity of perspective influences robot design, team chemistry, and ability to succeed

  • Up to 15 points for describing a STEM role model and how this person inspires a more inclusive team/program

  • Up to 15 points for a well-structured, complete submission that uses a combination of text and supporting images to tell a story with a clear beginning, middle, and end

  • Up to 15 points for the quality and readability of the prose and writing, including spelling, grammar, and sentence structure

  • Up to 15 points for the creativity of the final product, and a submission that is enjoyable to read, well designed, and engaging
     

Deadline Information

Current time:
Wed, Dec 11, 2024 7:49 PM CST

Opens:

Fri, Oct 15, 2021 6:00 AM CDT

Closes:

Tue, Jan 18, 2022 11:59 PM CST