HF 2703

as introduced - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 03/09/2023 08:38pm

A bill for an act
relating to education; authorizing grants for robotics programs; requiring a report;
appropriating money.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text beginROBOTICS PROGRAM GRANTS; APPROPRIATION.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Grant program established. new text end

new text begin The commissioner of education must
establish a program to provide competitive grants to schools that provide pupils in
kindergarten through grade 12 with expanded opportunities to improve mathematics, science,
and technology skills by participating in events hosted by a science and technology
development program or other competitive robotics programs.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Eligibility; application. new text end

new text begin A school district, charter school, or home-based
educational program is eligible to apply for a grant under this section in the form and manner
determined by the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Allowable uses. new text end

new text begin Grant funds may be used for:
new text end

new text begin (1) operational costs for school robotics programs, including new and existing programs;
new text end

new text begin (2) stipends for robotics program coaches, not to exceed $1,000 per applicant; and
new text end

new text begin (3) robotics competition event registrations, materials, travel costs, and other expenses
associated with the preparation for and attendance at robotics events and competitions.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Administration. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall award grants to qualified applicants.
Each grant application must include a program budget and planned allowable uses of grant
funds submitted as part of the grant application.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Report required. new text end

new text begin (a) By January 15, 2026, each grant recipient must submit
a report to the commissioner detailing the outcomes of the grant-funded activities, including
a description of how the robotics program enhances the college and career readiness of
participants.
new text end

new text begin (b) By January 15, 2025, the commissioner of education must submit a written report
to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction
over kindergarten through grade 12 education. The report must identify the grant recipients
under this section and summarize the planned grant-funded activities of the grant recipients.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Appropriation. new text end

new text begin The sums indicated are appropriated from the general fund to
the commissioner of education for the fiscal years designated for grants to support
competitive robotics programs.
new text end

	new text begin $ new text end	new text begin ....... new text end	new text begin ..... new text end	new text begin 2024 new text end
	new text begin $ new text end	new text begin ....... new text end	new text begin ..... new text end	new text begin 2025 new text end