FIRST Robotics Grant Applications Available

Robotics program grant applications are now available to all Oklahoma public schools.

The State Department of Education (SDE), in partnership with FIRST Robotics, has approved a $70,000 budget item to support public school student participation in the FIRST Robotics Program. The SDE will provide grants up to $5,000 per school to facilitate recent start-up and existing team opportunities. The deadline for applications is 5 p.m. Sept. 23, 2013. Grant awards will be announced in October and available to schools in November.

“Robotics programs engage children in real-world learning in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields,” State Superintendent Janet Barresi said. “Such learning is key to developing skills that will be necessary for 21st Century education and careers. We’re thrilled to be able to offer these grants to enhance what schools are able to offer their students at all levels -- from the youngest Lego Leagues to middle and high school programs.”

Information sessions explaining the grant process will be:

•  from 9:30 to 12 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, at Tulsa Memorial High School, 5840 S Hudson Ave., in Room 128 (enter through the front of the building off of Hudson Avenue).
• from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, at Edmond Santa Fe High School, 1901 W 15th St., in Room 17 (enter through the front of the building –off of West 15th Street);

Please RSVP to: Dr. Jack Sellers, sellersj@swbell.net or call 918-691-3285.  You may also contact Harold Holley, FIRST Regional Director, hholley5@suddenlink.net or call 405-747-6463.

Grant funds may be used for:

• FIRST Lego League (FLL) ages 9-14
• FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) ages 15-18
• FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) ages 15-18

Allowable uses of grant awards are:

• FIRST registration fees
• Equipment
• Other costs associated with direct participation in any of the FIRST Robotics Programs

The number of grants awarded will depend upon the number and type of applications received.

Applicants are eligible to apply for grants in the following amounts:

• Recent Start-up Teams (1st- and 2nd-year teams)
  • FLL - up to $1000 

  • FTC - up to $2,000

  • FRC -up to $5,000
• Established Teams (3rd- and 4th-year teams)
  • FLL - up to $500 

  • FTC - up to $1000
 
  • FRC - up to $2500
• Veteran Teams (5 years plus)
  • FLL - up to $500
  • 
FTC- up to $500

  • FRC - up to $2000

Successful applications will address a diverse socio-economic school environment; increased student engagement in STEM education through FIRST Robotics; commitment to the development of student teams, recruitment of volunteer mentors, designing and building of remote-controlled robots; and participation in the Oklahoma FIRST Regional Competitions.

Applications and more information can be found on the State Department of Education’s website

Completed applications including signed assurances and consent forms may be e-mailed, mailed, or hand carried to: Jeff Downs, 
Executive Director of STEM, 
Oklahoma State Department of Education
, 2500 North Lincoln Boulevard, Suite 315
, Oklahoma City OK  73105
, Jeff.Downs@sde.ok.gov.