Overview
The purpose is to provide event partners, educators, coaches, and parents a communications playbook with materials to pitch local media outlets and social media elements to help raise awareness of your event. We encourage you to leverage these assets to generate local media attention and communicate the event on your social media and other related channels.
Below, you will find a media pitch note, templated press release, customizable social media posts, and tips.
If you have any questions, please get in touch with RECF’s marketing team at: marketing@recf.org
Note to the Media
Send this note after you have customized it, then copy and paste the completed press release into an email and send it to local media contacts about one to two weeks before the event.
Email Subject:
X Number (for example, more than 100, etc.) Local Students to Compete in the Aerial Drone Competition on Date
Copy for Email:
Hi Insert Media Contact First Name,
In a couple of weeks, insert number teams from insert local/regional areas will unite at insert location on insert month and date for middle and high school students, presented by the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF). The Aerial Drone Competition is leading the most comprehensive and exciting drone sporting initiative to promote hands-on, student-centered learning while having fun. You can see the exciting event in action on an NBC News segment.
This high-energy and flying competition will showcase drone piloting, programming, and communications skills that focus on hands-on learning and build interest in STEM education and drone career opportunities.
Gain exciting student interviews and images/videos of this exciting drone sporting event. See the media advisory below, and if you’re unable to attend, I can send high-res event images. Would this be of interest to you or a colleague?
Below is a press release with additional information.
Best,
Insert Name
Pre-Event Press Release
Media Contact
NAME:
PHONE:
EMAIL:
INSERT NUMBER OF STUDENTS TO SHOWCASE HIGH-FLYING SKILLS FOR THE AERIAL DRONE COMPETITION IN INSERT LOCATION/CITY/TOWN
insert CITY, STATE ABBREVIATION – insert date – Another exciting and educational drone season has begun for thousands of middle and high schools nationwide. The Aerial Drone Competition’s Mission 2026: Time Warp from the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF) is leading the most comprehensive and exciting drone sporting initiative to promote hands-on, student-centered learning.
According to a drone market survey, the industry continues its upward trajectory, poised to reach more than $128 billion by 2030 due to growth at a fast pace, such as technological advancement and need across various industries. The Robotics Education & Competition Foundation is proud to receive support from esteemed organizations such as NASA and the Department of Defense (DoD) STEM. The Aerial Drone Competition features Robolink’s CoDrone EDU, a versatile and programmable drone tailored for educational use.
Thousands of students in grades 5 through 12 will compete this season in local and international competitions in approximately 42 states across the US and in over 15 anticipated countries. These competitions are not just about showcasing flying skills but also about collaborative teamwork and problem-solving. Teams unite to complete four missions that test their creativity, technical acumen, and strategic thinking.
"It's very impressive to see how these students innovate, problem solve, and work with their teammates as they navigate the game with their drones. This event will prepare students with the skills they need to become tomorrow's leading innovators in industries where drone technology is essential - all while having fun," said, insert spokesperson name, insert title of insert school/affiliation.
Interested schools, students, and educators are encouraged to visit this website to learn more about the Aerial Drone Competition, which combines education and entertainment in an unforgettable setting.
About the Robotics Education & Competition (REC) Foundation
The Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF) is a global organization dedicated to increasing student engagement in science, technology, engineering, math, and computer science (STEM) by engaging students in hands-on, curriculum-based robotics and drone programs. Through comprehensive programs encompassing competitions, education, and workforce readiness, the foundation empowers educators to inspire and equip students for success. The REC Foundation strives to create a future where every student designs and innovates as part of a team, overcomes failure, perseveres, and emerges confident in their ability to meet global challenges. Through sustainable and affordable curriculum-based robotics programs, the REC Foundation inspires students, one robot at a time.
Social Media
Post on your social channels before, during, and after the competition to communicate the excitement and generate awareness of the event.
Feel free to customize these posts as you see fit and add your hashtag(s).
Tag the REC Foundation, and we may share the post(s) on our social channels. See our social media handles below.
Example 1
Copy: A few more days until students soar to new heights! We can't wait to welcome insert number teams from insert regions/local areas for the insert event name. Tag @REC Foundation (see below for handles) #recf #AerialDroneCompetition
Image: Use a past image or video with the post
Example 2
Copy: Check out this high-flying team from insert region/area as they compete at the Aerial Drone Competition. They mastered the forces of gravity with their drone and competed with great strategy, teamwork, and piloting. Tag @REC Foundation (see below for handles) #recf #AerialDroneCompetition
Image: Use an image or video of the team
Example 3
Copy: Thank you to our students, coaches, parents, sponsors, and volunteers who made this event a big success! There were many exciting moments, and here are a few highlights that capture its spirit. Tag @REC Foundation (see below for handles) #recf #AerialDroneCompetition
Image: Use a few photos that capture the spirit of the event
REC Foundation Social Handles
Follow and tag the REC Foundation on:
- Twitter: @REC_Foundation
- LinkedIn: @Robotics Education & Competition Foundation
- Instagram: @RECFoundation
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/RECFoundation
TIPS
By following these tips, you'll increase your chances of getting your event picked up by your local media.
- Identify reporters covering education or community events at local news sites and/or newspapers. Contact information can typically be found on their websites.
- If you have a student, team, or educator with a compelling human-interest story (e.g., one who overcame adversity, reached a milestone, or has a heartwarming story about a volunteer), share that with the media, as they are always looking for unique angles to cover.
- If you don't hear back within a few days, send a polite follow-up email to check if they received your pitch and need more information.
- If they cannot attend the event, ask if they want to receive images after the competition. Some media outlets may be unable to attend events due to staff shortages, especially on weekends. However, most will welcome images after the competition.
- If the answer is yes, send 7-10 of the best event images and the media usually like action photos. For TV stations, they like to receive action photos and a few videos via the phone camera in a horizontal angle - about 20-30 seconds a piece. Keep the phone/camera steady and move slowly while showing any action.
Logos and Branding
Visit our media page for REC Foundation logos, press release and flyer templates, and other media-related information and resources.