A closeup of the girls robotics team which could qualify to compete at the VEX state championship. Photo courtesy of SCOE

FAIRFIELD, CA (MPG) - Solano County Office of Education (SCOE) and Solano Community College (SCC) have partnered together in hosting a VEX robotics league for Solano County students, with the latest competition happening Friday night, December 15th at Solano Community College.

The Solano County VEX Robotics League is open to all VEX Robotics teams in middle and high school in Solano County. Ten teams representing Golden West Middle School in Travis Unified School District, Rodriguez High School in Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District, Vacaville Christian School and the Solano County Girls Who Code Club have competed in the competitions; the competition series includes four separate events with the final competition being held in January.

“Robotics competitions empower students to be creative, collaborate with peers, build problem-solving skills, and gain experience in STEM subjects. We are pleased to create opportunities for Solano students that have real-world applications through our partnership with SCC,” remarked Solano County Superintendent of Schools Lisette Estrella-Henderson.

VEX Robotics is a program and competition system for elementary through university students. Solano County Office of Education partnered with Solano Community College on the VEX league to boost interest and opportunities in STEM for local students following a decline of local robotics programming during the COVID pandemic. The partnership brings competitions closer to local students and helps reduce costs for local teams.

The VEX robotics league for Solano County students’ latest competition occurred on December 15th at Solano Community College. Photo courtesy of SCOE 

As teams head into the final round, the Girls Who Code Team Solano is looking to defend their current first place spot, with Vacaville Christian on their heels in second, followed by Rodriguez HS Bumble Bots and Golden West’s RoboStangs. Parents, teachers and community members are invited to watch the remaining competition on January 27, 2024, from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm at McCormack Hall in the Solano County Fairgrounds. Winners in the Solano County league may qualify to the VEX state championship.

Ten teams compete with their robotic machines at the match hosted by Solano County Office of Education (SCOE) and Solano Community College (SCC). Photo courtesy of SCOE

For more information about the Science and Engineering Fair, contact Lilibeth Pinpin, Director of Innovative Programs and Student Success, at [email protected] or 707-399-4439