STEM Education Weekly — 2026-06-04

Top Stories

RECF Robotics: A New Era for Robotics Competitions

• What happened: The Robotics Education & Competition Foundation unveiled RECF Robotics, an official robotics competition platform for the 2026–2027 season. The announcement confirms that all existing robot hardware, game elements, and previously built systems remain fully compatible and usable, ensuring continuity for teams that have already invested in robotics programs.
• Why it matters for educators: This transition offers schools a streamlined, unified competition framework. Teams can leverage their existing equipment and expertise, reducing barriers to entry for new schools while maintaining momentum for established programs. The new platform signals long-term institutional support for robotics in K-12 education.

1 sources

recf.org

recf.org

F5 Foundation Opens $50,000 STEM & AI Education Grants for Global Nonprofits

• What happened: The F5 Foundation launched applications for its 2026 STEM & AI Education Grant Program, offering ten nonprofit organizations $50,000 each to expand access to STEM and artificial intelligence education across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The application deadline is June 14, 2026.
• Why it matters for educators: This funding directly supports international nonprofit partners working in underserved communities. Schools and educational organizations partnering with these nonprofits gain access to expanded STEM curricula and AI literacy programs, particularly in regions where technology access is limited.

UWorld Invests $250,000 in North Texas Nonprofits for STEM Expansion

• What happened: UWorld announced that fourteen North Texas nonprofits will collectively receive $250,000 to expand STEM education and financial literacy programs. The grants support organizations dedicated to broadening access to hands-on STEM learning in underrepresented communities.
• Why it matters for educators: This regional investment strengthens the nonprofit ecosystem that schools rely on for after-school and summer enrichment. Teachers can connect students with expanded programming in coding, robotics, and applied STEM, while nonprofits gain resources to serve more classrooms.

Policy & Funding

• F5 STEM & AI Education Grants 2026: Ten nonprofits across Africa, Asia, and Latin America will receive $50,000 each to expand STEM and AI literacy in underserved communities. Applications close June 14, 2026.

• Australian School Grants Program (2026): New funding opportunities across Australia now open for STEM and sustainable garden projects in K-12 schools, with grants ranging from $1,000 to $600,000+. Educators should check state-specific deadlines for applications.

EdTech Spotlight

KaiBot Professional Development Platform

• What does it do: KaiBot empowers teachers with professional development training to deliver inclusive, hands-on STEM instruction in K-10 classrooms.
• Best for: Teachers seeking confidence and training in screen-free coding and active STEM pedagogies; schools aiming for 100% educator adoption of inclusive STEM practices.
• Standout feature: ESC Region 11 reported that KaiBot PD achieved 100% of educators bringing inclusive STEM to their classrooms, demonstrating measurable impact on teacher practice.

Unruly Splats: Active Coding & SEL Integration

• What does it do: Unruly Splats combine coding games with active, embodied play and social-emotional learning across curricular areas.
• Best for: Elementary and middle school classrooms seeking cross-curricular integration of STEM (works in computer class, PE, math, art, and music).
• Standout feature: Bridges physical activity with computational thinking, reducing screen time while building coding skills and collaboration.

Classroom Ideas

1. "Build and Compete" Robotics Club Launch: Use RECF Robotics' compatibility messaging to launch or expand a school robotics club. Invite students to design and build robots using existing kits, then register for local RECF Robotics competitions in the 2026–2027 season. Partner with F5 or local nonprofits (via the funding announcements) to source equipment or coaching.

2. AI Literacy After-School Program: Leverage the newly funded nonprofits in your region (especially if you're in North Texas or near an F5-supported partner) to launch an after-school AI and STEM exploration program. Invite nonprofit partners to co-lead workshops on artificial intelligence concepts, ethical AI use, and career pathways.

3. Cross-Curricular Splats Integration: Integrate Unruly Splats into PE, math, or art classes to teach coding through movement and play. This approach reduces barrier-to-entry for non-STEM teachers and helps students see STEM as creative and embodied, not just screen-based.

What to Watch Next Week

• F5 STEM & AI Education Grant Deadline (June 14, 2026): Nonprofits and educational organizations should finalize applications for the $50,000 grants supporting underserved communities globally.

• Summer Research Programs Opening: Multiple 15 STEM summer research programs for high school students are now accepting applications for 2026, spanning AI, biology, physics, engineering, chemistry, and data science. Check rolling deadlines on Scholar Launch and university websites.

• RECF Robotics Team Registration: Schools should review registration timelines for RECF Robotics competitions in their region to plan team formation, training, and equipment needs before the 2026–2027 season begins.