Cerritos College students win prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship

Engineering Club students at the championshipThe Cerritos College Engineering Technology Club broke new ground at the 2025 VEX Robotics World Championship as one of only three community colleges to compete among nearly 750 elite teams from around the world. In their debut appearance, the team placed 25th in the Technology Division, outscoring dozens of four-year universities and proving that community colleges can lead in innovation, talent, and technical excellence on a global stage.

Held in Dallas, Texas, the VEX Robotics World Championship provided students with an opportunity to test their engineering skills in a dynamic, real-world setting. The Cerritos College team finished the competition with four wins—a standout result for a first-time competitor.

For students, the championship offered more than just competition; it fostered teamwork, cultural exchange, and global connection. “Starting conversations with teams from around the world opened the door to meaningful exchanges of culture, knowledge, and skills,” said student Amber Fields. “We had the chance to form new friendships, reconnect with familiar faces, and represent our school in a way that emphasized both collaboration and community.”

“We may not have had the resources or background of some of the larger universities, but our students came in ready to learn, compete, and grow—and they delivered,” said faculty advisor Dr. David Li. “They were excited, driven, and represented Cerritos College with pride and professionalism. Our strength came from the diversity of our students, and we were probably the most diverse team at the entire Championship.”

“This is a remarkable accomplishment that puts Cerritos College on the international map for robotics and engineering,” said Dr. Miodrag Micic, department chair and professor of engineering design technology. “It sets the stage for future robotics initiatives and sends a powerful message to diverse students that they belong in technology fields.”

The team’s success highlights Cerritos College’s commitment to equity in STEM, hands-on learning, and inclusive innovation. It affirms what Cerritos College has long believed: given the opportunity, its students can rise to compete with anyone, anywhere. The college plans to expand its robotics and engineering initiatives to offer more students pathways into high-demand tech careers.