Bill > H708

This bill establishes the Educational and Competitive High School Robotics Grant Program to promote robotics education and competition for high school students, with the goal of motivating students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The program will provide grants of up to $2.5 million annually to robotics teams affiliated with public school units or community organizations. To be eligible, teams must partner with a qualified robotics partner (such as a nonprofit or higher education institution) that can provide instruction, programming, and support. Teams can use grant funds for purchasing robotics supplies, paying coach stipends, competition fees, and administrative costs. Applicants must submit detailed proposals by September 30 each year, and the Department of Public Instruction will award grants by October 31. The bill also amends school absence rules to explicitly allow students to have excused absences for participating in high school robotics competitions, ensuring they can make up any missed schoolwork. The program is set to begin in the 2025-2026 school year, with funding allocated and reporting requirements established to track the program's impact on student academic performance.

Budget and Finance

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H708