05/17/2026
PUTTING COMMUNITY in the FOREFRONT
Stockton Community Foundation would like to highlight a 2025 grant recipient, Stockton R1 School STEP's Gifted Program class teacher Christa Price. The request was for Bot building elements for the Robotic Program. Introducing STEM aspect learning in a play like platform leads to future STEM occupations.
Contributed by Christa Price:
The STEPs Gifted Program would like to thank the Stockton Community Foundation for its generous $1,700 grant supporting the expansion of VEX IQ Robotics opportunities at Stockton.
Through this funding, the program was able to purchase two complete VEX IQ Generation 1 robotics kits, a competition kit, and numerous upgrades for previously owned robotics equipment, including batteries, motors, and additional components. These purchases significantly expanded opportunities for hands-on STEM learning and collaboration for students in grades 5–8.
Throughout the school year, all STEPs students in grades 5–8 were introduced to the fundamentals of VEX IQ robotics. Students learned the basics of building and programming while working collaboratively in teams to create at least four base bot extensions. Several students developed a strong interest in robotics and continued designing, experimenting, and improving their projects independently beyond the initial lessons.
The impact of the grant will continue into the summer months as all summer school students entering fourth grade will also have the opportunity to learn the basics of robotics and engineering through the VEX IQ platform.
In addition, Mrs. Price attended the Sedalia Middle School Robotics Tournament to connect with Missouri robotics coaches and students and to explore the feasibility of establishing Stockton robotics competition teams in the future. While VEX IQ is an expensive program to develop and sustain, this grant has helped Stockton begin building the skills, resources, and student interest necessary to better understand and grow a robotics program over time.
The robotics equipment was also incorporated into two STEPs academic service events this year. During the Christmas-themed “Glow Mystery Maze: Who Stole Santa’s Cookies?” event, robotics activities were integrated into student problem-solving experiences. In the spring showcase, “Curiosity Castle,” students in grades K–8 had the opportunity to interact with and try the robots themselves, helping introduce robotics concepts to an even broader group of students.
Robotics may not become every student’s passion, but many students have already developed a strong grasp of the program and are excited to continue improving their skills. The STEPs program is grateful for the Stockton Community Foundation support in helping restart and expand robotics opportunities at Stockton.
Stockton Community Foundation is an affiliate of Community Foundation of the Ozarks in Springfield, MO. Founded in 1973, the Community Foundation of the Ozarks is the region's largest public charitable foundation serving a network of donors, 55 regional affliate foundations & nonprofit partners across central & southern Missouri.
