Robotics tourney aims to inspire Indy teens

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Indianapolis teens will have the opportunity to show off their technical skills this winter, as the city plans to host its first robotics competition.

The VEX Robotics City Championship, presented by Roche Diagnostics, aims to inspire students to consider science, technology, engineering and mathematics as career pathways. Every high school in Marion County is eligible to participate in the tournament. The top four teams will qualify for the Vex Robotics World Championship in Anaheim, Calif., on April 17-20.

“We're thrilled to support this new STEM initiative, which will help engage local kids with the wonder of science to help create future innovators for our growing central Indiana life sciences community," said Tom Adkins, senior vice president, Roche Diagnostics Operations.

Project Lead The Way, the nation's leading provider of STEM education, and Ivy Tech Community College are supporting the competition by providing volunteers to help run the event in January and by hosting workshops leading up to the event to help local schools prepare for competition.

Also partnering on the championships is TechPoint Foundation for Youth, a nonprofit venture philanthropic organization with the mission to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders among Indiana's underserved youth populations.