Anticipated increases in federal Title IV grant funding to Anne Arundel County Public Schools will allow for the establishment or expansion of co-curricular robotics programs at county high schools as part of a program announced by Superintendent George Arlotto today.
All high schools have the opportunity to apply for a mini-grant up to $10,000 to support the launch or continuation of a robotics co-curricular club during the 2020-2021 school year. Each high school may choose from Seaperch, VEX, MESA, or FIRST robotics offerings.
All high schools currently receive funding for robotics in some form or fashion. Except for Chesapeake and South River high schools, each high school would be able to receive up to an additional $10,000 for its program. Chesapeake and South River, which already receive $5,000 for their participation in the FIRST Robotics program, could receive up to an additional $5,000 each.
“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,” Dr. Arlotto said. “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.”
Funding through the program will support equipment, tools, materials, competition fees, bus transportation, competition T-shirts, and sponsor or coach stipends.
Among many other grant programs, AACPS applies for Title IV grants each year. The Title IV program is intended to improve the academic achievement of students by increasing the capacity of school systems to provide all students with access to a well-rounded education.
In addition to the increased robotics funding, AACPS will use Title IV funds to support co-curricular clubs, activities, and competitions for students from prekindergarten through Grade 12 in the humanities and other STEM-related areas.