“Funding for robotics programs at the high school level was the subject of a significant amount of discussion during the Fiscal Year 2020 budget cycle, and such programs allow us to provide authentic hands-on experiences in a cutting-edge field for our students,” Superintendent George Arlotto said in the statement.
“This anticipated funding allows us to provide, in an equitable manner, additional funding for robotics to our high schools to apply in the way that best meets the needs of their students.”
High schools in the county will be able to apply for small grants up to $10,000 to support either a current robotics club or to create one for next school year. With an exception to Chesapeake High and South River High, high schools can receive these grants through the program. Chesapeake High and South River already receive funds through the FIRST Robotics program.
These grants could support equipment, competition fees, bus transportation or coach stipends. The Title IV program was created to help improve academic achievement of students through access to well-rounded education.
The school system will also use the funding to support clubs, activities and competitions for students from prekindergarten through 12th grade in STEM and humanities areas.
©2019 The Capital (Annapolis, Md.). Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
