NC H552

Establishes the Educational and Competitive After-School Robotics Grant Program to provide evidence-based after-school robotics education and encourage students to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics careers.

Appropriates $1,670,000 in recurring funds for fiscal year 2019-2020 to award grants to public school units that partner with approved robotics organizations for equipment, coach stipends, competition fees, and team administration.

Requires the State Board of Education to adopt rules treating competitive robotics as an interscholastic athletic activity, subject to concussion protocols, emergency action plans, and injury record requirements.

Allows students to receive excused absences from class for participation in school-sponsored robotics competitions, with parent/guardian notice required.

Effective dates: Grant program provisions effective July 1, 2019; athletic and absence provisions effective upon passage and apply beginning with 2019-2020 school year.