The AMC is proud to announce the AMC STEAM Robotics Challenge, made possible by a generous Community Impact Grant from General Motors (GM). This initiative bridges the gap between classroom learning and industrial application.
Equipping the Next Generation of Innovators
The program offers two distinct pathways for students. The VEX IQ Division provides middle school teams with kits for hands-on robotics design and problem-solving. The VEX CTE Division is designed for high schoolers, featuring 6-Axis robotic arm, conveyors and sensors that function as a workcell. Supported by the $30,000 GM grant, the AMC is equipping 14 regional schools with educational robotics kits to cultivate elite student teams.
Participating Schools
The AMC, in partnership with the Northern Buckeye Education Council (NBEC), is supporting the following schools:
VEX IQ (Middle School) Participants:
- Ayersville MS
- Defiance ES/MS
- Edgerton MS
- Pettisville MS
- Stryker MS
- Tinora MS
VEX CTE (High School) Participants:
- Edgerton HS
- Four County Career Center
- Hicksville HS
- Montpelier HS
- Stryker HS
- Patrick Henry HS
- Pettisville HS
A Heartfelt Thank You to General Motors
The AMC extends its deepest gratitude to General Motors for their commitment to community impact. Awarded on November 13th, this generous grant invests in the future economic health of Northwest Ohio by preparing students for local technical careers. As part of this commitment, the AMC shared the $60,000 grant with the United Way of Defiance County.
“General Motors’ support allows us to transform the way our students see manufacturing,” says John Mansel-Pleydell, AMC K-12 Liaison. “By putting industrial-grade technology in their hands today, GM is helping us build the workforce of tomorrow. We are incredibly thankful for their partnership and their dedication to our community’s youth.”
The Road to Competition: 2026 and Beyond
The AMC has established a strategic roadmap for the 2026-2027 school year:
- Jan – Mar 2026: Launch of a hybrid Professional Development series for 12 regional educators to serve as expert coaches.
- March 2026: High school teams will make their debut at the NORTech Robotics Challenge at Bowling Green State University (BGSU).
- April 2026: Middle school teams will lead design activities for 5th and 6th graders at Mini-Manufacturing Day at Northwest State Community College.
- Fall 2026: Students will compete in a specialized Virtual VEX CTE Competition to test programming and automation skills.
- Aug – Oct 2026: Establishment of the VEX IQ and VEX CTE Robotics Leagues, with competitions using 2026-2027 game rules.
The program aims to empower at least 100 direct student participants with intensive robotics experience while reaching over 800 students annually through demonstrations at Manufacturing Day events.
Learn More
For additional information about the challenge, team resources, or how to get involved, please visit our official website: