This season we're on track to support more than 15 VEX IQ tournaments and reach more than 550 K–8 students across Nebraska. We support those tournaments at $150 per day so host schools can keep registration affordable and keep more of what their event raises for their own teams.
We've already added a trailer, six new fields with their Level Up game elements, and rack bags for the network gear. What's left is the technology that runs a tournament day (field control, scoring, displays, sound, and networking) and field risers so everyone can see the matches. With it, we can support more events on the same weekend.
The remaining list comes to $14,113.89. Here's what's on it and what each piece does on tournament day.
Field Control and Scoring: $4,651.92
- 8 Raspberry Pi 5: $1,632.00
- 8 portable 16" monitors: $719.92
- 4 laptops: $2,300.00
The Raspberry Pis and monitors run field control and field-side displays. The laptops run scoring, check-in, and judging stations.
Displays and Sound for the Gym: $5,645.99
- 4 ViewSonic Full HD laser projectors: $4,196.00
- 1 pair of Electro-Voice ZLX-12P G2 powered speakers, with bags and stands: $1,449.99
Gyms are bright and loud. Laser projectors keep rankings and match results readable under gym lighting, and a powered speaker pair carries announcements, opening ceremonies, and awards.
Field Risers: $3,000.00
- 4 field risers (estimated at $750 each): $3,000.00
Risers lift the competition fields off the gym floor, so families and teams watching from the stands can see every match.
Event Networking: $815.98
- 2 UniFi Cloud Gateway Ultra routers: $318.00
- 2 UniFi U7 Pro Wi-Fi access points: $378.00
- 2 8-port PoE+ network switches: $119.98
That's two self-contained event networks, each packed in one of our rack bags, so scoring devices, displays, and field control connect reliably without depending on the host building's network.
How You Can Help
Give toward the list
Make a gift at gainingsteam.net/contribute. If you'd like to cover a specific item, email us at [email protected] and we'll coordinate.
Give on #GivingTuesday402
On Tuesday, December 1, we're taking part in #GivingTuesday402, SHARE Omaha's metro-wide day of giving to local nonprofits. Gifts of every size add up.
Donate equipment
Upgrading at home or at work? We can put working equipment straight into service, including laptops, Raspberry Pi boards (3B or newer), and projectors rated 3,500 lumens or brighter. See our equipment donation guide for the full list, then email [email protected] to arrange pickup or drop-off. We can provide a tax acknowledgment letter if you need one.
Thank You
Every item on this list ends up in a gym on tournament day, helping a K–8 team run its robot, see its score, and hear its name called at awards. Thank you for helping more Nebraska students get there.
From all of us at gainingSTEAM: thank you.