The Robotics Grant Program is an annual grant program that is administered by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) to provide funding to Local Education Agencies (LEAs), schools, and nonprofit organizations associated with public schools.
Donor Name: Maryland State Department of Education
State: Maryland
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 06/14/2023
Size of the Grant: $5,000 and $20,000
Grant Duration: 1 year
Details:
The program aims to support the development and expansion of robotics programs across the state and to provide students with the opportunity to engage in high-quality STEM education practices that prepare them for success in the 21st Century workforce.
The purpose of this grant is to provide opportunities for students to engage in robotics education programs that will help them develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. This is achieved by introducing them to Career and Technical Education (CTE) programming at their local high school. The Robotics Grant Program is designed to ensure that all students in Maryland have access to robotics education programs that are aligned with the Maryland K-12 Computer Science Standards and/or the Standards for Technological and Engineering Literacy. These programs can be implemented within the school day or as extracurricular activities and may include the development of new programs or the expansion of existing programs.
Uses of Funds
Note to non-profit organizations: Approved program expenses will be reimbursed upon submission and approval of an invoice with supporting documentation (i.e., receipts, purchase orders, etc.). Please ensure that funding is available within your organization to cover any initial expenses.
Funds may be used to:
- Purchase high-level technology and equipment that support robotics programs. All equipment and programs requiring LEA Internet must follow the LEA User Policies.
- Purchase materials and supplies to support robotics programs, including virtual robotics platforms and/or applications.
- Provide faculty stipends or fees for participation in robotics events (as needed, based on LEA policy.
- Support transportation and hotel costs for students and advisors participating in robotics competitions.
- Support registration or membership fees for students enrolled in robotics related competitions and organizations (including in-person or virtual competitions).
Funding Information
- Funding Amount Available: $350,000
- Estimated Number of Grants Thirty-five (35), grant awards range between $5,000 and $20,000.
- Grant Period July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024
Eligibility Criteria
This funding opportunity is open to any Maryland public school, or nonprofit organization partnering with a public school, to support the development and expansion of robotics programming. Nonprofit organizations supporting a robotics program must validate that the majority (51% or more) of members are public school students
Program Requirements
To be considered for funding, a Maryland robotics grant program must demonstrate a commitment to the following outcomes:
- The school or organization has developed effective strategies to inform and prepare students for entry into Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs of study at their LEA. This may include activities such as career exploration, mentorship programs, and industry partnerships.
- The school or organization has clear intentions to use the robotics program to build a K-12 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) pipeline. This means that the program should be designed to engage students and encourage them to continue their STEM education to and through high school.
- Students will have access to essential technologies and materials, including physical and/or virtual robotics platforms. The grant program should provide students with the necessary tools and resources to fully participate in the robotics program and achieve the program’s well-articulated learning objectives.
- Student activities are aligned with the Maryland K-12 Computer Science Standards and/or the Standards for Technological and Engineering Literacy. The program should be designed to support and enhance the existing curriculum or instructional programs and should be consistent with the learning objectives of these standards.
- Logistics, such as meeting dates, times, and locations, is clearly articulated and supports the goals of the program. The program should be well-organized and clearly communicate the expectations for student participation and engagement.
- Compliance with LEA safety and privacy policies, including those for non-system employees, is documented. The program should be conducted in accordance with all relevant policies and regulations to ensure the safety and privacy of students and staff.
- Access for students with disabilities regarding location, technologies, and digital resources is readily available. The program should be designed to accommodate students with a range of disabilities and ensure that they have equal access to the program’s learning opportunities.
For more information, visit MSDE.
