MA Robotics For All Grant

MA Robotics For All Grant is sponsored by WPI Robotics Resource Center & Women's Impact Network. This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes.

ROBOTICS FOR ALL - MA Robotics For All Grant BRING ROBOTICS TO YOUR SCHOOL, A FTER-SCHOOL, OR COMMUNITY PROGRAM ! The WPI Robotics Resource Center want to see that all people have the opportunity to learn about and participate in robotics. The problem solving and team work associated with robotics has inspired many students to pursue pathways to STEM.

However, there are many groups that are typically underrepresented in STEM fields, and one contributing factor is they rarely 'see themselves in STEM' due to the lack of similar role models for them. By providing teachers, mentors, coaches, and group leaders who may not traditionally support these STEM activities with the tools they need, it can improve the diversity and impact among others in STEM.

WPI Robotics Resource Center & Women's Impact Network Grant for Educators Want to bring the excitement of STEM learning to your school, program, or community ? Wouldn’t it be great if you could get a set of robots for your students and get the training & support for FREE?! We are providing grants for educators to put robotics in the hands of their students, along with enriching, hands-on learning opportunities .

This opportunity will use the curriculum and SPIKE Prime platform from LEGO Education. This grant is open to female-identifying educators (formal and informal educators are welcome to apply) primarily serving female-identifying students and groups. To be eligible to apply, educators much be working with female-identifying students ages 8-18 within a two-hour drive of Worcester, MA (for ease of kit delivery only).

We require that educators be willing to run at least 6 hours of hands-on robotics activities with at least 48 unique students (within 3 years) to receive the grant . The grant -awarded equipment will belong to the educator, so if the educator moves schools or progr ams , they may take it with them and to continue the program at their new location to meet the terms of the grant. Grant applications are open from through May 30th at noon.

We will notify grant recipients no later than June 4th . We will be awarding a total of 50 LEGO Spike Prime kits through this grant, with no less than 5 or more than 10 educator grants being awarded. Priority will be given to spreading the kits across different regions /areas .

Educators who have applied and received a similar grant in the past from WPI may reapply to receive additional kits. Multiple educators from the same school or program may apply. Each grant includes one seat of training for the educator, although we are happy to accommodate additional educators/support staff in the training if seats are available.

Training will be scheduled after awarding of the grants. Each educator awarded is expected to participate in the training. Grant will include all necessary equipment and training except the educator/program must have access to bluetooth-capable tablets or computers to run software (tablets and chromebooks both work).

To help build excitement in your program , we are more than happy to work with you to schedule an in-person demonstration by a high school robotics team. These demos give kids a chance to learn more about robotics, see a big robot in action, and even potentially drive and operate the robot. These demos can be done for large groups beyond just those being served by the grant.

They typically take place in a school gym or cafeteria and we can do a single demo or multiple back-to-back to accommodate more people . Demos are typically 45-60 minutes long. For more details or to inquire about availability, email first@wpi.

edu Want to see a little what it’s like to be at a FIRST event? Check this out: https://www. youtube.

com/watch? v=i54VZZX_Cyw&ab_channel=NewEnglandFIRST You can also check out these robotics in action in person at WPI on June 14-15th at our FLL International Open! June 14th is primarily practice for the teams, but there is great opportunity to talk and interact with students and coaches around the world.

June 15th, the teams will be competing with their robots in an annual game from approximately 9AM-1PM. SEE YOURSELF IN STEM WITH ROBOTICS!