The VEX Classroom Competition is a fun challenge for anyone, whether they're familiar with the VEX Robotics Design System or not. The parts limitations make the challenge not only affordable, but also forces you to make some interesting design trade-offs. Very similar to the early years of FRC.
Here's an example of the type of robot that can be built for this challenge. This robot was built by Lower Marion High Schools in preparation for the upcoming 2010 National TSA Conference VEX Robotics Swept Away Championship.
http://tsa.lmtechclub.org/2010/?page_id=143
We've limited entries to 8 teams to ensure that the tournament can be run at a relaxed pace that allows participants to still be part of the FRC action at IRI.
I'm excited to see which FRC teams jump on board to take part in some VEX action at IRI!