Call for Applications: Robotics Grant Program (United States)

Robotics education is defined as using student-designed, programmable robots (including those built from kits), programming software, and computer interfaces as hands-on learning tools to create a learning environment that can enhance collaboration and communication among students, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, and creativity.

Funding Information

• Only one grant is available per school. Each LEA can apply to receive funding not to exceed $3,500 per school.
• The grant will need to be implemented during the 2025 fiscal year. Funds do not roll over. All funds must be fully expended by September 30, 2025.

Eligible Funding 

• The Robotics Program grant funds may be used to purchase items for the following:
  • Robotics kits (Kits that allow/require students to design and build a robotic device.)
  • Robotics programming software
  • Robotics competition equipment (Accessories used to practice specific tasks or challenges.)
  • Non-traditional computing devices for the purpose of programming/running robots (Non-exhaustive list of examples: Microbit, Arduino, Raspberry Pi).
  • Specialized tools needed to design, create, build or repair student-designed robots.

Ineligible Funding 

• Non-allowable Uses of Funds:
  • Traditional computing devices (Laptop/desktop computers, Tablets, Smartphones), even if planned use is exclusively robotics.
  • 3D printers and supplies
  • Competition entrance fees
  • Costs associated with hosting a competition (awards, etc.)
  • Travel
  • Clothing
  • Food/Drinks
  • General use storage or tools
  • Professional Development in excess of 10% of the grant total

Who can apply?

• Any Alabama public school that serves students in grades K through twelve. Schools should apply individually. Districts may submit the “same” application for multiple schools, but these applications should be submitted individually. Even identical proposals may or may not be awarded based on even distribution of awards across the state. ​

Selection Criteria 

• Selection Process and Criteria for selection will include the following:
  • The extent to which the proposed use of funds will be used to develop or enhance robotics education in elementary, middle, and/or high school.
  • The number of students and teachers directly impacted by the proposed activities.
  • The extent to which the application demonstrates alignment to the 2018 Alabama Course of Study for Digital Literacy and Computer Science.

For more information, visit AMSTI.