Students from Indianapolis Public Schools will compete on March 14 at the 2026 Indiana State Robotics Championships at Lucas Oil Stadium. Teams from Arsenal Technical High School, Cold Spring School, and Jonathan Jennings School 109 have qualified for the event.
The competition highlights the district’s focus on innovation and teamwork among students. According to the official website, Indianapolis Public Schools serves over 30,000 students and provides services to families in central Indianapolis through a network of schools and programs.
Arsenal Tech is sending two teams, 7410G and 7410X. “We have had an incredible experience as a team this season, and this accomplishment means everything to us,” said Jared Lewis, a senior and team captain. Senior Brandon Rodriguez Bahena from Team 7410X said, “We learned that we need to give ourselves more time. Building, coding, and practicing all take time, and everyone has to hold each other accountable so the robot and the team can improve.” Coach Isaac Adams said, “Our teams have overcome mechanical issues, weather delays, and coding problems. Through it all, they’ve come together to support each other and work through every challenge. Even though we have five robots, the teams truly operate like a family.” Team member Angel Cosme Paez added, “This is our chance to compete with the best in the state and show what we can do.”
Cold Spring School will be represented by all seven of its robotics teams—four elementary teams and three middle school teams—at this year’s championship. Genevieve McLeish-Petty, computer science teacher and robotics coach at Cold Spring School said: “We’re always excited for state. Of course, we want to compete, but it’s also a chance to spend the day surrounded by people who love robotics as much as we do.” The event marks the final statewide competition in its current format before Indiana transitions next year to a regional championship model due to growing participation in VEX robotics competitions across thousands of teams statewide.Indianapolis Public Schools emphasizes racial equity as a core strategic priority.
Jonathan Jennings School 109 will also participate for the first time with an elementary team led by Griffin McLeish-Petty. “They are an elementary team, and this is their first time advancing to state,” McLeish-Petty said. “It’s only the second year we’ve had a robotics program at 109, but the students are incredibly dedicated.” Since September, these students have practiced several days each week improving their robot design.
Aleesia Johnson serves as superintendent of Indianapolis Public Schools according to the official website. The district focuses on fostering academic excellence through tailored education in a dynamic setting according to its official website.
As Indiana moves toward regional championships next year—with Cold Spring competing in the Central Region—the current event offers one last opportunity for all qualifying teams across Indiana to gather under one roof.