VEX IQ Challenge

Programs

VEX IQ Challenge teams solve an annual game challenge by designing, building and programming a robot for the challenge.

Program Overview

In the VEX IQ Challenge, presented by the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation, teams of students are tasked with designing and building a robot to play with other teams in a game-based engineering challenge. Classroom STEM concepts are put to the test as students learn lifelong skills in teamwork, leadership, communications, and more. NSBE’s VEX IQ Tournament will be held at the Annual Convention in March 2025.

The game for the 2024 – 2025 competition year is Rapid Relay, an exciting, fast-paced game with robots trying to score in a variety of ways.
Activities to support TORCH programming include:

Registration

Each team must be a combination of students in grades 3-8.
Teams must consist of at least two (2) students and no more than ten (10).
Attend the 2025 Annual Convention in Chicago, IL, March 5 – March 9, 2025.
Consists of active NSBE Jr. members.
Complete all application and registration requests before the deadlines.
Chapter advisor and team coaches must provide a satisfactory NSBE background check by applying here.

Critical Program Dates

Dec

2024

Rec Foundation Team Registration

Visit robotevents.com to register your teams for the year and receive your team number!

If you DO NOT register by this deadline, you cannot compete at 2025 Annual Convention.

Jan

2025

NSBE VEX IQ Team Registration

Deadline to register for the 2025 VEX Robotics Competition at NSBE’s 2025 Annual Convention is January 3, 2025.
Submit application to compete at NSBE’s 2025 Annual Convention here by Friday, January 3, 2025.
Confirmation of participation at Annual Convention will be sent out by Friday, Jan 24, 2024.

Mar

5-9

2025

National Competition

Attend the 2025 Annual Convention in Chicago, IL.

NSBE Program Offerings

PROGRAMS

Whether you're building technical skills, developing leadership capabilities, giving back to your community, or advancing your professional career, NSBE offers targeted programs designed to support your success. Explore programs by focus area to find the right fit for your journey.

NSBE SEEK

Grades 3-5

SEEK is a free, three-week summer program offering an engaging educational experience. Aims to provide quality learning in STEM for underrepresented students.

KidWind

Grades 4-12

The Challenge is the ultimate wind energy learning experience for students. High school students around the country are exploring wind energy through the hands-on, investigative, and exciting KidWind Challenge!

MATHCOUNTS

Grades 6-8

MATHCOUNTS builds math skills, promotes logical thinking and sharpens students’ analytical abilities.

Ten80

Grades 6-8

Through class, club, and camp curriculum, complete with materials, training, and support, Ten80 invites middle and high school students to practice the art of being STEM professionals.

Vex Robotics

Grades 9-12

Students, with guidance from their teachers and mentors, build innovative robots and compete year-round in a variety of matches.

Try-Math-A-Lon

Grades 9-12

Try-Math-A-Lon (TMAL) is a tutoring program meant to foster good study habits for minority students, help prepare for standardized test exams such as the ACT and SAT, and promote competition and good sportsmanship.

National Leadership Institute

Grades 3 - 5

Imagine a world where engineering is a household conversation in every community of color, and where Black students can see themselves thriving as engineers.

Engineering Diversity

Grades 3 - 5

Engineering Diversity focuses on career pathways and multi-industry penetration for the NSBE membership.

T.O.R.C.H

Grades 3 - 5

Technical Outreach Community Help (TORCH), NSBE's flagship community service program, harnesses the technical expertise of our members to ignite positive change within our communities.

Academic Excellence

Grades 3 - 5

NSBE Academic Excellence fosters scholastic achievement and empowers future leaders in engineering and STEM.

Don’t Miss the Opportunity to Elevate Yourself and Connect with the Best

We envision a world in which engineering is a mainstream word in homes and communities of color, and all Black students can envision themselves as engineers. In this world, Blacks exceed parity in entering engineering fields, earning degrees, and succeeding professionally.

The NSBE membership year spans August 1 – July 31. 

If you choose not to be affiliated with a chapter in your local area, you will be considered a member “At-Large," classified by your geographical region. Members At-Large receive the same national benefits as those who belong to a chapter.

Join NSBE Today Learn More

Vex IQ Challenge