Getting Ready for the 2026-27 Season
Summer resources to prep your VEX IQ team for Level Up — the Hero Bot "Flop," the game manual and competition videos, registration details, and the new Global Robotics & Science Foundation library.
gainingSTEAM
Empowering Nebraska's future through Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics education
Celebrating Nebraska's STEAM Excellence
At gainingSTEAM, we spotlight the achievements of Nebraska students in robotics and STEM, while honoring the educators, mentors, and families who support them.
Together, we're building the future of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math in our state.
With every competition, project, and program, we're inspiring the next generation of innovators and leaders.
What We Offer
Complete Tournament Solutions
We're proud to support Nebraska's robotics community. Our programs help make tournaments possible and provide teams with the resources and training they need to succeed.
What We Provide:
2VEX IQ Fields per Tournament
10+Annual Tournaments
100%Equipment & Tech Support
50+Trained Volunteers
- Tournament Equipment: Fields, scoring systems, displays
- Professional Training: Coaches, judges, and referees
- Team Support: Mentoring and resource sharing
- Event Logistics: Setup, delivery, and technical assistance
Fuel Nebraska's STEAM Future
Your donation makes robotics competitions possible across Nebraska. Every contribution helps us provide tournament equipment, support coaches, and create memorable experiences for students discovering their STEAM potential.
Your Impact:
- $125 covers one month of tournament equipment storage
- $200 provides a coaches appreciation lunch at tournaments
- $700 purchases VEX IQ kits for STEM camps
- $995 funds field risers for better tournament viewing
This year we're supporting 10+ tournaments and 500+ students across Nebraska. Join us in making STEAM education accessible to every student who dreams of building the future.
Latest News & Updates
Clarity for the 2026-27 Nebraska VEX IQ Season
For 2026-27, gainingSTEAM will sanction Nebraska's VEX IQ State Championship through VEX and the Global Robotics & Science Foundation. Here's the decision and what it means for your team.
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.