Parent FAQ –The Mind Spark
What is The Mind Spark?
The Mind Spark is an elite youth robotics club focused on competitive robotics through the VEX IQ and VEX VRC platforms. Our mission is to develop the next generation of innovators through real engineering, coding, and teamwork.
What is VEX IQ Robotics Competitive (VIQRC)? How can joining this program at The Mind Spark benefit my kids?
VEX IQ (Ages 8–14): The VEX IQ program is an educational robotics platform designed primarily for elementary and middle school students (typically ages 8–14). It aims to teach kids STEM concepts (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) through hands-on building and programming using snap-together, plastic robot parts and sensors.
Educational Goals
STEM Learning: Kids learn to build and program robots while developing skills in problem-solving, collaboration, and critical thinking.
Coding: Students use VEXcode IQ, which supports block-based coding and text-based languages like Python as they progress.
Engineering Principles: Through challenges, they learn about gears, motors, sensors, and design strategy.
Competition (VEX IQ Robotics Competition – VIQRC)
Organized by REC Foundation, the competition challenges teams to design, build, and program a robot to complete tasks on a game field.
Each year features a new game challenge like Full Volume in 2023-24, Rapid Relay in 2024-25 and Mix & Match in 2025-26 with unique objectives and something new to learn.
Events include Teamwork Challenge, Driver Skills, and Autonomous Programming.
Students work in teams, learning teamwork, sportsmanship, and resilience
Engineering Notebook Judging
Team Interviews
Benefits for Kids
Competitive robotics help build confidence and interest in STEM fields.
Encourages perseverance and creative thinking.
Offers opportunities for scholarships, networking, and long-term academic growth.
What is VEX V5 Robotics Competitive (VRC/V5RC)? How can joining this program at The Mind Spark benefit my kids?
VEX VRC (Ages 12–18): The VEX V5 program is a robotics platform geared toward middle school, high school, and early college students. It’s designed to teach more advanced STEM and engineering concepts through hands-on robot building and programming using metal parts, powerful motors, sensors, and programmable brain units.
Educational Purpose
Advanced STEM Skills: Students dive deeper into engineering, computer science, and project management.
Programming Options: Students can code with VEXcode V5 using blocks, Python, or C++.
Engineering Design Process: Teams work through real-world-style design cycles—build, test, fail, and improve.
Competition (VEX Robotics Competition – VRC/V5RC)
Run by the REC Foundation, the VRC challenges students to design robots that can complete complex tasks on a 12’x12’ game field.
Annual games like Over Under (2023-24), High Stakes (2024-25) and Push Back (2025-26) offer new challenges that test creativity, strategy, and technical skill.
Competitions include:
Driver Control Matches
Autonomous Programming Skills
Engineering Notebook Judging
Team Interviews
Student Benefits at The Mind Spark:
Teaches high-level engineering and coding skills.
Builds teamwork, leadership, and strategic thinking.
Opens doors to scholarships, internships, and STEM careers.
What do students learn?
Students at The Mind Spark learn these skills throughout theie robotics journey:
Engineering design and mechanical building
Programming (Block, Python, or C++)
CAD modeling (Onshape or Fusion 360)
Strategic thinking and game analysis
Presentation and interview skills
Teamwork, leadership, and time management
Who are the coaches and mentors?
Our coaches are world-class robotics educators with years of success at State, National, and World levels. They have engineering or computer science backgrounds, and all are highly experienced in teaching students both technical and soft skills.
Each team also benefits from additional mentors who specialize in areas such as coding, mechanical design, CAD, or competition strategy.
What is the coaching format?
Team-Based Learning: Students are placed on competitive teams (4–5 students per team) based on age, experience, and compatibility.
- Dedicated Coached Mandatory Workshops & Clinics focusing on engineering, programming, and competition related concepts, autonomous coding, concepts of engineering design process and more.
Weekly Sessions: Regular meetings include building, coding, testing, team collaborations. Teams are encouraged to participate in as many sessions as their schedule permits. Each session lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Frequency may increase as qualifier season approach.
Competitive Season: Teams compete in local and regional VEX events, with potential progression to State, National, and World Championships.
How are the teams formed? Can I join a specific team?
Each VEX team consists of 4 to 5 students.
Teams are formed based on factors such as age, experience, interests, availability, and personality compatibility to ensure strong team dynamics.
If students have already coordinated to form a team, they can be grouped together. Input from both students and parents will be considered during the team formation process.
What is expected of parents?
We welcome and encourage parent involvement! Expectations include:
Timely Transportation to and from weekly robotics sessions, practices and competitions
Supporting your child in staying committed and prepared
Encouraging teamwork and a growth mindset
Volunteering (optional but helpful!) at local events or as team supporters
Parents are not required for days of coaching sessions.
One parent monitor from each team needs to be present for building and practicing sessions. You don’t need technical experience — just your support goes a long way.
Is one of the student's parents required to coach a team?
No. Each team will be assigned a coach and will receive guidance from them throughout the season.
However, we do require at least one parent per team to help ensure that students are staying on task, working well together, and progressing effectively. This parent will act as a team monitor and must strictly adhere to the Student-Centered Policy established by the REC Foundation.
What makes The Mind Spark different?
Elite coaching staff with proven competition success
Premium equipment including 3D printers, laser cutters, Pneumatics and full practice fields
STEM-focused curriculum that blends fun with real-world learning
Pathway to excellence through competition and skill mastery
What do you mean by "elite club" or "elite coaching"?
At The Mind Spark “elite” means more than just advanced—it means excellence at every level:
Elite Coaching and Guidance : Our coaches have led teams to top placements at State, National, and VEX World Championships. They bring deep expertise in engineering, programming, CAD, and strategy, combined with a proven ability to mentor and develop young talent. Coaches and Mentors to ocus on educating students in:
- Engineering concepts
- Mechanical build quality
- CAD – Onshape
- Programming and sensor integration
- Project planning
- Engineering design notebooks
- Each team is assigned a coach who supports them throughout the season—guiding them on design, coding, strategy, and teamwork strictly adhering to the Student-Centered Policy established by the REC Foundation.
Elite Structure: We operate like a high-performance sports team—offering structured training, personalized coaching, competitive scrimmages, and a clear progression from local events to the global stage.
Elite Facilities & Tools: Students work in a lab equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, advanced sensors, professional tools, and competition-ready VEX parts—mirroring real-world engineering environments.
Elite Mindset: We expect commitment, teamwork, and a desire to grow. Whether your child is a beginner or an experienced builder, we help them strive for their personal best.
Where are you located?
We are based in Eagleview Corporate Center in Exton, PA. Our facility includes full-size practice fields, classroom, work areas, fully equipped with official VEX robotics parts including premium parts, tablets, laptops, CAD/design workstations, and fabrication tools.
When does the season start?
VEX releases the new game for both VEX IQ and VRC each May.
Enrollment opens Spring/Summer.
Teams begin forming and working on the game in Jul–Aug, with competitions running Fall through Spring.
How can we join or learn more?
Register here or email us at info@themindspark.com to schedule an info session.