Bill > H702

This bill establishes the Workforce Preparation Robotics grant program to increase robotics and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) participation in public and charter elementary and secondary schools. The program aims to provide students with opportunities to develop critical skills like public speaking, leadership, team management, problem-solving, and technical knowledge in hardware and software through robotics competitions. Schools can apply for grants by June 1st each year, with preference given to schools without existing robotics programs, particularly those in the Cape Cod and Western Massachusetts areas. The grants are tiered based on school level (elementary, middle, and high school) and whether the school already has a robotics club, with varying amounts awarded for different robotics competition teams like FIRST Robotics Competition, FIRST Tech Challenge, VEX Robotics Competition, and Science Olympiad. Grant amounts range from $370 to $18,000, depending on the school level, existing program status, and specific competition team. The state department will manage the program, awarding grants based on available funding and establishing rules and regulations to implement the initiative.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H702