More Hoosier students will be able to explore the growing field of robotics thanks to a new law authored by State Rep. Chuck Goodrich (R-Noblesville).
Goodrich said House Enrolled Act 1382 creates a grant program, which is supported annually with $4 million in the state’s new two-year budget, for schools to establish their own robotics teams.
Goodrich
“The goal of this new law is to encourage more students to enter STEM careers and ultimately stay in Indiana,” Goodrich said. “This is an important step toward ensuring young Hoosiers in schools large and small have the ability to explore the innovative and creative world of robotics.”
The Indiana Department of Education will manage the grant fund, which K-12 schools can utilize to create and develop competitive robotics programs. Grant dollars can be used to pay for a team mentor, supplies, competition costs, and to establish or maintain the team.
Goodrich said these grants will help programs provide hands-on learning experiences, foster community partnerships and highlight career opportunities through the use of adult mentors. These mentors will prioritize a connection to manufacturing and machinery skills.
According to Goodrich, Indiana currently has about 3,000 students from 30 percent of school corporations in after-school robotics programs. He said this bill could help grow participation to 18,000 students representing 60 percent of school corporations around the state. He said his legislation was modeled after a similar program in Michigan that saw a 400 percent increase in student participation.
House Enrolled Act 1382 will go into effect July 1. To follow other legislation signed into law by the governor, visit in.gov/gov/newsroom/2023-bill-watch.
State Rep. Chuck Goodrich (R-Noblesville) represents House District 29, which includes a portion of Hamilton County.