More than 35 teams showcase STEM skills with two earning advancement to World Championship 

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology was proud to host its first-ever VEX V5 Robotics High Stakes World Qualifying Tournament, bringing together more than 35 middle and high school teams for a day of intense competition and hands-on learning. The event, dubbed “Champ’s Classic,” represented a significant opportunity for students across the Commonwealth to demonstrate their technical skills in a real-world competitive environment. 

Partnering with the Innovation Institute for Tomorrow, the College transformed its Multipurpose Activity Center into a hub of technological innovation as students battled for nine different awards and coveted spots at the VEX Robotics World Championship in Dallas, Texas. 

“These competitions provide a dynamic platform where theory meets practice,” said Dr. Melissa Day, Director of K-16 and Strategic Initiatives at Thaddeus Stevens College. “The skills students develop through robotics—critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork—directly align with what industry demands from our graduates.” 

After a full day of competition, two teams emerged as World Championship qualifiers: 

• Middle School Team #293T Solstice from Malvern, PA 

• High School Team #255M Midnight Moon from Norristown, PA – this team had qualified before the event.  

A third winner will be selected by the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation based on performance metrics from the event. 

The tournament exemplifies Thaddeus Stevens College’s commitment to being an architect of opportunity in technical education. By hosting events that connect K-12 students with pathways to technical careers, the college continues its mission of transforming futures and communities through hands-on learning experiences. 

Watching students apply complex technical concepts in a competitive setting reinforces the value of practical education. These students aren’t just building robots—they’re building careers. 

Thaddeus Stevens College looks forward to continuing its support of STEM education initiatives that prepare students to be in high demand in tomorrow’s workforce.