PHILIPPI, W.Va.—March 5, 2020—Twenty-three teams of elementary- and middle-school students from Barbour, Berkeley, Brooke, Monongalia, and Nicholas counties competed in the VEX IQ Challenge robotics competition qualifier on Saturday, February 22 at Alderson Broaddus University.

Presented by the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation, the VEX IQ Challenge provides elementary and middle school students with exciting, open-ended robotics and research project challenges that enhance their science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills through hands-on, student-centered learning.

“I am impressed by the innovation and creativity that each team brings to the field,” said Dr. Michael Boehke, dean of the College of Health, Science, Technology & Mathematics. “Having competition like the VEX IQ Challenge here at AB is in keeping with our mission to provide the next generation of students with the highest quality education.”

Students in VEX IQ build a plastic remote controlled and autonomous robot. During Saturday’s event, students tested their creations by partaking in a series of skills tests and cooperative team challenges that measured the effectiveness of each robot, the power of collaboration, and the determination of students.

“The hands-on experience students gain through their partnership with mentors and educators is immense,” explained Dr. Todd Ensign, NASA IV&V ERC’s program manager. “Our goal is to get students more involved on college campuses and break down the post-secondary barrier.”

The robotics qualifier event was the first for the Alderson Broaddus community, and each participating student was presented with a $500 scholarship to AB. Qualifying teams at the district and regional level will move on to the West Virginia State Tournament hosted at Fairmont State University in March.

About VEX IQ
VEX IQ is the fastest-growing robotics program in West Virginia. The VEX IQ Challenge fosters student development of teamwork, critical thinking, project management, and communication skills required to prepare them to become the next generation of innovators and problem solvers.

About Alderson Broaddus University
Alderson Broaddus (AB) University is a private, four-year institution of higher education located on a historic hilltop in Barbour County in Philippi, West Virginia. Since its founding in 1871, AB has been a leader and innovator in higher education, with accolades in the health and natural sciences.

The mission of AB is to provide students with the highest quality education, striving to prepare students to succeed in their chosen disciplines and to fulfill their roles in a diverse society as well-rounded and responsible citizens.