2026 Nebraska VEX IQ State Championship - Event Day Details
Event day schedule, concessions, volunteer needs, Star Wars costume contest, and museum activities for the 2026 Nebraska VEX IQ State Championship.
Featured Posts
2026 Nebraska VEX IQ State Championship - Judging & Engineering Notebooks
Details on digital engineering notebook submission, team interviews, the Innovate Award, and volunteer opportunities for the 2026 Nebraska VEX IQ State Championship.
2026 Nebraska VEX IQ State Championship
Everything you need to know about the 2026 Nebraska VEX IQ State Championship on February 27–28, including qualification, registration, judging, and digital notebook submission details.
Tara Petersen Awarded AFCEA STEM Teaching Tool Grant
gainingSTEAM board member Tara Petersen receives the STEM Teaching Tool Grant from the Greater Omaha Chapter of AFCEA, supporting STEM education initiatives in Nebraska classrooms.
What to Expect at the Omaha Area VEX IQ League Championship
Everything you need to know for the 2025-26 Omaha Area VEX IQ League Championship on December 15th at Mary Our Queen School, including the schedule, rankings, awards, and concessions information.
What is VEX IQ?
Discover VEX IQ—an accessible youth robotics program for grades 3–8. Learn how students build robots, code, and compete in global STEM competitions with support from gainingSTEAM.
VEX IQ Pre Season Updates: Schedule, Volunteers, and Coaching Tips
The full season calendar is live—plus referee training, volunteer opportunities, and coaching reminders to start strong
Welcome to the 2025-26 VEX IQ Season
The 2025-26 Mix & Match season is here - and your students are about to embark on their most exciting robotics challenge yet! Let's get your team competition-ready in 3 simple steps.
All Posts
2026 Nebraska VEX IQ State Championship - Event Day Details
Event day schedule, concessions, volunteer needs, Star Wars costume contest, and museum activities for the 2026 Nebraska VEX IQ State Championship.
2026 Nebraska VEX IQ State Championship - Judging & Engineering Notebooks
Details on digital engineering notebook submission, team interviews, the Innovate Award, and volunteer opportunities for the 2026 Nebraska VEX IQ State Championship.
2026 Nebraska VEX IQ State Championship
Everything you need to know about the 2026 Nebraska VEX IQ State Championship on February 27–28, including qualification, registration, judging, and digital notebook submission details.
Tara Petersen Awarded AFCEA STEM Teaching Tool Grant
gainingSTEAM board member Tara Petersen receives the STEM Teaching Tool Grant from the Greater Omaha Chapter of AFCEA, supporting STEM education initiatives in Nebraska classrooms.
What to Expect at the Omaha Area VEX IQ League Championship
Everything you need to know for the 2025-26 Omaha Area VEX IQ League Championship on December 15th at Mary Our Queen School, including the schedule, rankings, awards, and concessions information.
Judging at the Show Me Gateway VIQRC Signature Event
Brandon Petersen served as Judge Advisor at the Show Me Gateway VEX IQ Middle School Signature Event in St. Charles, Missouri in November 2025, coordinating judges for 55 teams from three countries.
Before Black Friday: A Simple Way to Help Nebraska Robotics
Planning to upgrade during Black Friday? gainingSTEAM can put your older laptops, tablets, TVs, projectors, and PA systems to work running VEX IQ tournaments across Nebraska.
VEX IQ Tournament Registration — November and December 2025
Registration availability and deadlines for three upcoming Nebraska VEX IQ tournaments in November and December 2025, including Marrs, St. Margaret Mary, and Millard North.
Head Referee Training – Early Season
Join us for Head Referee training opportunities ahead of the early season VEX IQ events. Learn rules, scoring guidance, and best practices for a smooth, student-centered tournament experience.
Nebraska V5RC Season Kickoff at UNO
The University of Nebraska Omaha's VEX U team hosts Nebraska's first regular-season High School VEX V5 Tournament, with support from gainingSTEAM.
VEX Robotics Judge Advisor Resources
A complete guide to VEX Robotics Judge Advisor resources - from certification and training to event-day best practices - to help ensure consistent, fair, and inspiring judging experiences at every tournament.
What is VEX IQ?
Discover VEX IQ—an accessible youth robotics program for grades 3–8. Learn how students build robots, code, and compete in global STEM competitions with support from gainingSTEAM.
VEX IQ Pre Season Updates: Schedule, Volunteers, and Coaching Tips
The full season calendar is live—plus referee training, volunteer opportunities, and coaching reminders to start strong
Welcome to the 2025-26 VEX IQ Season
The 2025-26 Mix & Match season is here - and your students are about to embark on their most exciting robotics challenge yet! Let's get your team competition-ready in 3 simple steps.
Welcome to the gainingSTEAM Blog
We're excited to launch our blog where we'll share stories about our STEAM education initiatives, student achievements, and community impact.
Nebraska VEX IQ Coaches Meet & Greet — Mix & Match Season Preview
Nebraska VEX IQ coaches were invited to Mary Our Queen in June 2025 to kick off the Mix & Match season, preview the new game, and begin planning the 2025-26 tournament calendar.
Thank You for an Incredible 2025 Nebraska VEX IQ State Championship
A thank-you to everyone who competed, volunteered, and supported the 2025 Nebraska VEX IQ State Championship at the SAC Museum — with World Championship waitlist details and information on hosting next season.
2025 Nebraska VEX IQ State Championship at the SAC Museum
The 2025 Nebraska VEX IQ State Championship returned to the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum for the Rapid Relay season's finale on February 21–22, 2025. Full event details, awards, and volunteer information.
St. Margaret Mary VEX IQ Tournament — November 9, 2024
Tournament agenda, pre-inspection tips, and a student contest at the St. Margaret Mary VEX IQ Tournament on November 9, 2024, in Omaha. Teams who completed Drive Team Training could win VEX IQ parts.
VEX IQ Head Referee Training — Rapid Relay Season 2024
gainingSTEAM offered two Head Referee training sessions in October and November 2024 at Mary Our Queen, helping coaches and parents prepare to officiate VEX IQ Rapid Relay events across Nebraska.
Welcome to the 2024-25 VEX IQ Rapid Relay Season
The 2024-25 VEX IQ Challenge season — Rapid Relay — brought fast-paced alliance competition back to Nebraska's elementary and middle school robotics teams, with new registration steps, resources, and Hero Bot Swish.
Nebraska VEX IQ Coaches Meet & Greet — Rapid Relay Season Preview
Nebraska VEX IQ coaches gathered at Mary Our Queen in June 2024 to preview the Rapid Relay season, meet Hero Bot Swish, and begin planning the tournament schedule.
2024 Nebraska VEX IQ State Championship at the SAC Museum
The 2024 Nebraska VEX IQ State Championship moved to the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum in Ashland on March 1–2, 2024. The two-day format featured optional Friday skills runs and Saturday's main tournament.
Important Updates for the VEX IQ Tournament at Gross Catholic
Key updates for teams heading to the VEX IQ tournament at Gross Catholic High School in early 2024, including the first-ever electronic notebook submission deadline and volunteer requests.
Volunteer Training for Gross Catholic Tournament and State Championship
gainingSTEAM invited parents and coaches to a volunteer training session on January 2, 2024, to prepare for the Gross Catholic VEX IQ Tournament and the 2024 Nebraska VEX IQ State Championship.
Proposed Move of Nebraska VEX IQ State Championship to the SAC Museum
In fall 2023, gainingSTEAM proposed moving the 2023-24 Nebraska VEX IQ State Championship from Gross Catholic High School to the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum in Ashland, hosted alongside the Middle School VRC State Championship.
Nebraska VEX IQ Coaches Meet & Greet — Full Volume Season Preview
Nebraska VEX IQ coaches were invited to gather at Mary Our Queen in May 2023 to sync schedules, get a first look at the Full Volume game, and meet VEX's new Hero Bot, Byte.
Welcome to the 2023-24 VEX IQ Full Volume Season
Nebraska VEX IQ coaches previewed the Full Volume game at Mary Our Queen in June 2023, kicking off a season of teamwork challenges and skills competition for elementary and middle school teams.
2023 Nebraska VEX IQ State Championship at Gross Catholic
The 2022-23 Nebraska VEX IQ State Championship brought 40 teams to Gross Catholic High School on February 11, 2023, for the Slapshot season's culminating event. Judging, awards, and volunteer information inside.
Registration Opens for R.M. Marrs VEX IQ Winter Tournament
Registration opened in December 2022 for the R.M. Marrs VEX IQ Winter Tournament on January 21st — the last regular-season event of the 2022-23 Slapshot season in the Omaha area.
VEX IQ League Play Session 3 Notes — Slapshot 2022-23
Notes sent to coaches before Session 3 of the 2022-23 Omaha VEX IQ League Play at Logan Fontenelle Middle School, including venue details and skills challenge information.
VEX IQ League Play Session 2 Notes — Slapshot 2022-23
Notes and game rule clarifications sent to coaches before Session 2 of the 2022-23 Omaha area VEX IQ League Play, held at Mary Our Queen School.
Welcome to the 2022-23 VEX IQ Slapshot Season
Nebraska VEX IQ coaches gathered at Mary Our Queen in June 2022 to kick off the Slapshot season, sync schedules, and welcome new program leaders to the community.
VEX IQ Game Update — Single Driver Teams Permitted for 2021-22
The REC Foundation updated the 2021-22 VEX IQ game manual to permit single-driver teams, accommodating programs navigating COVID-19 disruptions. Here's what coaches needed to know.
Welcome Back — VEX IQ Robotics Returns for 2021-22
After a disrupted 2020-21 season, the Nebraska VEX IQ community regrouped for 2021-22 with league play, skills-only events, and traditional tournaments back on the table.
VEX IQ League Play at Gilder Elementary — Session 2 Preview
What to expect at the second ranking session of the 2019-20 Omaha Area VEX IQ League at Gilder Elementary School in Bellevue on December 16, 2019, during the Squared Away season.
VEX IQ Coaches Summit — Preparing for the Squared Away Season
Iowa and Nebraska VEX IQ coaches gathered at Mary Our Queen in June 2019 for a meet-and-greet, best-practice sharing, and preview of the upcoming Squared Away season.
VEX IQ Assembly Party for the US Open — Updated Location
In March 2019, local VRC and VEX IQ teams were invited to an assembly party to prepare for the US Open, with a last-minute venue change to the Iowa West Field House in Council Bluffs.
2019 Nebraska / Iowa VEX IQ Regional — Registration Open and Award Nominations
Registration opened for the 2019 Nebraska/Iowa VEX IQ Regional Championship on February 9. Nominations were also open for the Mentor of the Year and Volunteer of the Year awards.
VEX IQ League Play Session 3 at St. Leo Church
The third and final ranking session of the 2018-19 Omaha VEX IQ League brought teams to St. Leo Catholic Church in January 2019, setting the stage for the League Championship.
Iowa / Nebraska VEX IQ Regional Championship — February 9, 2019
All Iowa and Nebraska VEX IQ teams were qualified for the 2018-19 Regional Championship at Thomas Jefferson High School on February 9. Eight qualification matches, 10 finalist alliances, and STEM Research presentations.
Omaha VEX IQ League Play Kicks Off at Jesuit Academy
The Omaha area VEX IQ League Play launched its first ranking session at Jesuit Academy in November 2018, giving 20 teams — most of them brand new — their first taste of competitive robotics.
Is Your Future STEM Leader Interested in Robotics?
In November 2018, gainingSTEAM invited families from Girl Powered events to watch the first Omaha area VEX IQ tournament — a free event where over 35 local teams competed at Mary Our Queen School.
2018-19 Nebraska & Iowa VEX IQ Season Schedule
Event registration opened for all 2018-19 regular season VEX IQ tournaments in Nebraska and Iowa, including five tournaments, league play sessions, and the Regional Championship.
Girl Powered Build Day and Girls in Aviation Day — Fall 2018
gainingSTEAM hosted a Girl Powered VEX IQ Build Day at Henry Doorly Zoo in October 2018, then shared an invitation for participants to attend a free Girls in Aviation Day at UNO — two back-to-back STEM opportunities for girls.
Welcome to the 2018-19 Next Level VEX IQ Season
The 2018-19 VEX IQ Challenge season brought the Next Level game to Iowa and Nebraska, featuring hub-stacking teamwork challenges and an expanded tournament schedule for elementary and middle school teams.
VEX IQ Coaches Meeting — Preparing for the Next Level Season
Area VEX IQ coaches gathered at Omaha's Swanson Library in August 2018 to review game updates, plan the season schedule, and explore the new league play format ahead of the Next Level season.
Volunteer for the 2018 Nebraska/Iowa VEX IQ Regional Championship
The 2018 Nebraska/Iowa VEXIQ Regional Championship called for experienced volunteers to help deliver a great experience for elementary and middle school robotics teams competing on March 3rd.
2018 Nebraska / Iowa VEX IQ Regional Championship Awards Guide
A breakdown of every award offered at the 2018 Nebraska/Iowa VEX IQ Regional Championship, including performance awards, judged awards, and World Championship qualification criteria.
Nebraska / Iowa VEX IQ Regional Championship Details — March 3, 2018
The 2018 Nebraska/Iowa VEX IQ Regional Championship moved to St. Cecilia Cathedral Gym to accommodate the region's growth. Three competition fields, World Championship-height fields, and grade-level Design and Excellence Awards.
2017-18 Nebraska / Iowa VEX IQ Regional Championship
With the first half of the 2017-18 Ringmaster season complete, Nebraska and Iowa VEX IQ teams looked ahead to the Regional Championship on March 3, 2018. All registered teams were eligible, and registration opened January 5.
2017 Jr. Jacket VEX IQ Tournament Results
The first VEX IQ tournament of the 2017-18 Ringmaster season brought elementary and middle school teams from Iowa and Nebraska to Thomas Jefferson High School. 2501Z Narwhals took Teamwork Champion and Robot Skills Champion honors.
Know the Challenge — VEX IQ Ringmaster (2017-18)
A guide to the 2017-18 VEX IQ Ringmaster game, covering scoring, key resources, and how understanding the challenge helps teams collaborate and succeed on the field.
Welcome to the 2017-18 Nebraska/Iowa VEX IQ Season
The 2017-18 VEX IQ Challenge season launched in Nebraska and Iowa with 22 registered teams, seven Ringmaster tournaments, and three World Championship qualification spots — a landmark year for the regional program.