Who Qualifies for Youth Robotics Competitions in Idaho
GrantID: 14022
Grant Funding Amount Low: $25,000
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: $250,000
Summary
Grant Overview
Youth Robotics Competitions in Rural Idaho
Risk and Compliance Challenges in Idaho
In Idaho, rural communities often face challenges in funding and maintaining after-school and extracurricular programs, particularly those focused on technology and engineering. The state has a number of counties classified as rural, where access to resources and educational opportunities in STEM subjects remains limited. The Idaho Department of Labor reports that as of 2022, only 30% of high school students in these areas participate in any technology-related extracurricular activities, compared to 50% in urbanized regions. This gap highlights both risk factorssuch as dropout rates due to lack of engagementand compliance issues related to schools being unable to implement effective STEM programs that comply with state regulations.
Who is Affected by These Barriers Locally
High school students in rural Idaho are significantly affected by these risk compliance issues. Many students do not have access to technology education outside of the classroom, and schools often lack the funding to create competitive programs. There is also a notable absence of mentorship opportunities, as local businesses may not have the bandwidth or resources to engage with schools actively. This shortfall creates a disconnect between students' interests and the skills needed to pursue careers in STEM fields, further exacerbating the skills gap in the local workforce.
Addressing the Barriers through Funding
The funding opportunity specifically aims at addressing these gaps by initiating youth robotics competitions in rural Idaho. By establishing these competitions, the program will create a structured and engaging platform where students can actively participate, thereby fostering teamwork, problem-solving, and technical skills essential for careers in engineering and technology. This approach not only provides practical experience but also complies with state educational standards, allowing schools to effectively allocate resources and maintain compliance with educational mandates.
The grant will also facilitate the establishment of partnerships between schools and local businesses, encouraging mentorship opportunities for students and providing them access to resources such as materials, tools, and expert guidance. These collaborations are expected to significantly enhance student capabilities and interest in STEM fields.
Measuring Outcomes and Future Readiness
The implementation of youth robotics competitions will be carefully monitored to evaluate their effectiveness in increasing student engagement and skill acquisition in technology. Metrics will include student participation rates, performance in competitions, and pre-and post-program surveys measuring technical skills and interests. By focusing on real-world applications in technology, the initiative aims to inspire students to pursue careers in STEM fields, effectively bridging the existing technology gap in Idaho's rural communities and contributing to a stronger future workforce.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
