New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A06066

Introduced
2/26/25  
Refer
2/26/25  

Caption

Establishes a high school robotics grant program; provides funding to high schools for participation in robotics competitions; sets forth eligibility requirements; provides for the application and awards process.

Summary

Bill A06066 establishes a high school robotics participation grant program in New York, aimed at encouraging student engagement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through robotics. The program will provide competitive grants to public and private high schools that have a robotics club or team participating in competitions. Schools must partner with a business, institution of higher learning, or technological school to be eligible for funding, which is intended to support various costs associated with robotics competitions, including registration, materials, and travel expenses.

Impact

The bill amends the education law by adding a new section that formalizes the grant program, which will likely increase funding opportunities for high schools to enhance their STEM programs. This could lead to greater participation in robotics competitions across the state, particularly benefiting Title I schools and those with less prior experience in such activities. The introduction of matching funds requirements may also encourage schools to seek additional financial support from local businesses and organizations.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around Bill A06066 appears to be positive, as it aims to promote STEM education and provide resources to schools that may lack funding for robotics programs. Discussions suggest that stakeholders view the initiative as a valuable investment in the future workforce, although specific committee discussions and voting history are not available to provide further context.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the allocation of funds, particularly the preference given to Title I schools and teams with less experience. Some may argue that this could limit opportunities for established programs, while others may support the focus on equity and access for under-resourced schools. The requirement for matching funds could also be a point of debate, as it may pose challenges for some schools in securing additional funding.

Companion Bills

NY S00379

Same As Establishes a high school robotics grant program; provides funding to high schools for participation in robotics competitions; sets forth eligibility requirements; provides for the application and awards process.

Previously Filed As

NY S00379

Establishes a high school robotics grant program; provides funding to high schools for participation in robotics competitions; sets forth eligibility requirements; provides for the application and awards process.

NY SB990

Public Schools STEM and Robotics Program Task Force - Establishment

NY HR850

Commending the Forest Park High School robotics program.

NY S460

Establishing an elementary and secondary school robotics grant program

NY H702

Establishing an elementary and secondary school robotics grant program

NY SB391

To Create The Robotics Competition Grant Program For Eligible Robotics Teams In Public Or Private Schools For The Purpose Of Encouraging Study In The Fields Of Science, Technology, Engineering, And Mathematics.

NY HR153

Commends the Denham Springs High School Robotics Team on winning the FIRST Robotics Pikes Peak Regional Competition

NY HR108

Commends the Denham Springs High School Robotics Team on winning the FIRST Robotics Pikes Peak Regional Competition

NY SF1871

Robotics programs grants authorization and appropriation

NY HF504

A bill for an act relating to robotics, including by establishing a robotics grant program within the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics collaborative initiative and requiring the university of northern Iowa to develop a public-private partnership to support robotics competitions, and making appropriations.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.