Nelson Team Grants seek to enable LAUSD elementary and middle schools (grades 4-8) to start teams to participate in the VEX IQ Robotics Competition (VIQRC). Our goal is to inspire students to pursue STEM degrees and careers by enabling them to enjoy learning how to solve difficult problems using the Engineering Design Process.
New Schools have not previously registered any VIQRC teams. New schools that are interested in starting one or more VIQRC teams can apply for a New School Award. New schools interested in starting two or more new teams can also apply for an Additional New Team Award. Items covered by these awards are shown in the table below.
Returning Schools with VIQRC teams that have not participated since the 2021-2022 season and that only have 1st Generation Super Kits can apply for a Returning School Award.
Returning schools with 4'x8' VIQRC fields that have not yet been expanded to 6’x8’ can apply for a Field Upgrade Award.
Returning schools can apply for one Robot Upgrade Award for each two teams that competed with 1st Generation Super Kits in their most recent season.
Returning schools that pay to register more teams for the current season than they did for any prior season can apply for one or two Additional Team Awards and can apply for one Additional Field Award for each three teams added to the first team. Items covered by these awards are shown in the table below.
All schools are required to pay for team registration and league registration for each team. Registration expenses may be reimbursable again this year. Reimbursement request instructions were published in early September last year.
Returning schools should purchase a Full Game & Field Element Kit for each field. They should also budget for additional robot parts for each team.
School submits Nelson Team Grant application.
LeRoy Nelson notifies school of award decision(s).
LeRoy sends approved school Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) and instructions to register team contacts (if they have not already registered) and team(s).
At least one coach must be a school staff member with a LAUSD.net email address.
At least one unique coach (school staff member or parent volunteer) should be registered and listed as a Primary or Secondary Coach for each VIQRC team; you should not have more teams than coaches.
Coaches need to complete a background check before they can register teams or be listed as Primary or Secondary Coaches.
No prior robotics or technical experience is required to be a coach. Coach training is provided.
School registers team contacts and team(s). No student names needed. Payment(s) may be reimbursed.
School forwards team registration order confirmation email to LeRoy.
A small box containing a Team Welcome Kit should arrive approximately one week after payment of fee(s). This Kit includes two license plates and sample game elements.
New coaches attend Coach Virtual Training.
Recommendations to make the first year VIQRC team experience fun and successful.
2-hour sessions are offered by LeRoy via Zoom at various times in June, August, and September.
Introduction to online resources for coach training and certification, team logistics, engineering design process, robot builds, programming, engineering notebooks, judging, leagues, other events, etc.
Questions and Answers.
Optional for coaches with experience or who already have a Coach Certificate.
• Coaches may also attend optional Coach Hands-On Training.
4-hour sessions are offered in Manhattan Beach on Saturday afternoons in June, August, and September.
Other sessions may be offered at school sites if there is sufficient interest.
4-20 coaches per session build and program basic robots using VEX IQ Education Kits.
Coaches should bring a portable computer (Windows, MacBook, iPad, or Chromebook) that can be used by their students later.
o Coaches are offered T-shirts, handouts, and additional VIQRC parts for their teams after this training.
All coaches should complete the online Coach Certification Course.
Prepares new coaches and mentors to form and guide student teams for VIQRC and VRC.
10 units represent 8 hours of professional development and training when completed.
Experienced coaches can take the 10 Unit Quizzes to see if they are prepared to take the Final Exam.
Forward a copy of Coach Certificate email to LeRoy.
Beginning in August, LeRoy provides additional VIQRC equipment, full fields, and full game and field element kits to schools that have paid to register their teams.
Most equipment will be shipped directly to schools.
The complete equipment bundle for new teams includes up to 7 boxes weighing a total of 90 pounds.
LeRoy sends school shipping confirmations.
School organizes team(s) to learn how to build and program VIQRC robots.
LeRoy works with host schools to organize and post leagues and tournaments for teams to attend.
In September, LeRoy sends school instructions to register teams(s) for leagues and/or tournaments.
School registers team(s) for at least one official event (league or tournament).
School forwards event registration order confirmation(s) to LeRoy.
Teams attend event(s) with at least one background-checked adult coach (teacher or parent) for each team.
Top teams qualify for LAUSD Conference Championships, Southern California Championships, CREATE U.S. Open, and VEX Robotics World Championships.
Our 2025-26 goal is to start 15 new schools and 40 additional teams, restart 20 dormant teams, and support 323 returning teams this season, which will require starting up to 4 new leagues and supporting 13 returning leagues and 2 LAUSD Conference Championships.
Each new league should have 16-24 teams. Each continuing league should have 20-36 teams. Each league needs at least 16 teams for the top teams to qualify for LAUSD Conference Championships and/or Southern California Championships.
Coaches of teams attending a new league and new Coaches attending other leagues should attend a League Orientation.
Leagues meet after school or on Saturdays four times between October and January:
September: League Orientations for coaches. Optional for returning leagues.
October: Qualifying Session 1: optional Practice Teamwork Matches and Qualification Teamwork Matches.
November and December: Qualifying Sessions 2-3: Qualification Teamwork Matches.
December and January: Remote Judging: Digital Engineering Notebooks sumitted and Team Interviews.
January: Championship Session: Skills Matches and Judging followed by Finals Matches and Awards.
After-school league sessions typically start at 4:00 PM.
League Orientations typically end by 5:30 PM for coaches and by 7:00 PM for league volunteers.
If my school receives a Nelson Team Grant, I understand that my school can continue to use the provided VEX IQ Robotics Competition (VIQRC) equipment for as long as my team fulfills the conditions listed below. A new VIQRC season starts after the VEX Robotics World Championships at the in late April or early May each year.
The coaches/mentors and administration at my school support creating a sustainable VIQRC program.
The VIQRC equipment will be stored in a safe, clean location.
The VIQRC equipment will be used for official VIQRC events each season.
My team(s) will complete and pay team registration each season (paid by the grant the first year).
My team(s) will register for and will attend at least one official event each season.
My team(s) will participate in post-season surveys to assure that the above conditions have been fulfilled.
In the future, if my team(s) no longer fulfill the conditions listed above, I will return the VIQRC equipment so that it can be made available to another school.
This application should be signed by a school administrator, preferably by the Principal.
Please scan and email the signed application to
LeRoy@LARobotics.org.
Applications are due by Friday, September 26, 2025.
Please submit applications early to give your students more time to build and practice driving a robot before the first league session.
Bassett Elementary School was one of the first schools to receive a Nelson Team Grant. Bassett Elementary’s dynamic journey to the VEX Robotics World Championships in their second year is masterfully captured in this insightful and gripping documentary. As we follow the trials and triumphs of the small band of determined students, teachers and support staff, this video celebrates overcoming the challenges of the world with heart, spirit and teamwork.
Rina Nakano of CBS News Los Angeles profiles the Marquez Elementary School's robotics teams, who lost their robots in the Palisades Fire in January. Despite this, the children showed resilience, bouncing back to rebuild their robots and earn a spot in the world championship. Aired May 9, 2025.
