Native and Indigenous American Students To Showcase Robotics Skills With New Amazon Partnership

The Robotics Education & Competition (REC) Foundation and Amazon have partnered to bring Native American and Indigenous teams together in Robotics.

The REC Foundation

The REC Foundation is a global organization dedicated to increasing student engagement in science, technology, engineering, math, and computer science (STEM).

They engage students in hands-on, curriculum-based robotics and drone programs.

The foundation empowers educators to inspire and equip students for success through comprehensive programs encompassing competitions, education, and workforce readiness.

Now, partnering with Amazon, Indigitize, and Google, they are bringing Native American and Indigenous teams together for the 4th annual Southwest Native American Showcase from November 16-18 in Arizona.

Indigitize is an organization that makes computer science more accessible to Indigenous communities

“The Showcase presents an opportunity for students to dream big by engaging them in unique robotics activities that will challenge their problem-solving skills,” said Victor Reinoso, Global Director of Amazon’s Philanthropic Education Initiatives.

“Through our partnership, we can help encourage students to lead, break barriers, and create positive change in their communities and globally.”

The Southwest Native American Showcase

The event offers a unique opportunity for students to showcase their robotics skills and earn coveted spots at the 2024 VEX Robotics World Championship – the world’s largest robotics competition.

The Showcase will have more than 250 students competing for several days.

The students represent diverse tribes from Arizona, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.

Without this partnership, many of these tribes may miss the chance to participate in such an experience as they will cover travel, lodging, and competition expenses for the teams.

“This partnership represents a commitment to bridge the gap in STEM education and provide these communities with the tools and support they need to thrive,” said Dan Mantz, CEO of the REC Foundation.

“Together, we can help inspire and prepare these students for technology careers.”