MA H702

Creates the "Workforce Preparation Robotics" grant program to fund robotics and STEM teams in Massachusetts public and charter schools at elementary, middle, and high school levels

Schools without existing robotics programs receive priority for grants, with additional priority given to schools in Cape Cod and Western Massachusetts

Eligible programs include FIRST Robotics Competition, FIRST Tech Challenge, FIRST Lego League (Explore and Challenge), VEX Robotics Competition, VEX IQ Challenge, and Science Olympiad

Grant amounts range from $370-$590 for elementary programs up to $15,000-$18,000 for high school FIRST Robotics Competition teams, with higher amounts for schools without established programs

Applications must be submitted to the Department of Education by June 1st each year for the following academic year, subject to available appropriations