Robotics teams from 125 public, charter, and private schools as well as homeschool student groups are sharing $250,000 in grants to support their participation in Robotics League competition. 2 of which are from our area:
- Barron: Boys & Girls Club of Barron County, $1,976
- Siren: Siren School District, $1,264
News Release - Requests from eligible teams for the first-time grant program totaled $468,131, requiring a 53 percent proration of the grant. Teams eligible for grant awards are made up of high school students in grades nine through 12 that work with a mentor to design, construct, program, and operate a robot that will compete at a robotics event. Grant funds cover fees, required kits and supplies to participate in robotics competition, travel expenses for eligible team members, and a stipend for the team’s mentor. The grant support is intended to encourage more student interest in the STEM subjects: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
“One of my recent school visits included an in-school robotics competition that showcased the excitement and engagement of kids who are pursuing a passion that this grant program fosters,” said State Superintendent Tony Evers. “Whether an afterschool robotics club, other activities, or the many career and technical education and classroom experiences that inspire students, it’s an amazing sight to have kids charging ahead with their learning.”
Robotics League Participation Grants were enacted as part of Wisconsin Act 280 in March of 2016. The one-time $250,000 grant program for the 2016-17 school year was intended to provide awards of up to $5,000 and required applicants to secure matching funds equal to the amount requested. Because participation grant requests exceeded funds available in the state budget, grant awards were prorated to each eligible applicant. The grant period runs through June 30, 2017.
Click here (PDF) to see all 125 teams that received grants.
Last Update: Mar 16, 2017 9:56 am CDT
