In consideration of CDC guidelines and closures directed by the state of Wisconsin related to COVID-19, all activities and events this spring were canceled (including robotics events). In addition, all schools were also closed on March 18th (see Governor Evers school closure). Due to this situation, robotics teams that were not able to compete will be allowed to submit for reimbursement for eligible expenses that were incurred up to school closures on March 18, 2020. Please complete the same reimbursement form (PI-2774: Robotics Grant Post-Conference Expense Reporting ), if your competition was canceled due to COVID-19.
Requirements for Eligible Applicants
Eligible teams of pupils in grades 6-12 from school districts or charter schools established under section 118.40(2r) and (2x), private schools and home-based private education programs may submit one application per eligible team.
Eligible Teams
All team members must be in grades 6-12 during the grant year.
Robotics Competition
Eligible team participates in one or more competitions that require teams to design and operate robots. The competition(s) shall be sponsored by a nonprofit corporation as described under s. 501 (c)3 of the Internal Revenue Service. The competition organization encourages young people to develop an interest in science, engineering, technology, and mathematics.
Mentor
Each eligible team shall have at least one mentor.
Allowable Expenses
Required fees, required kits, and required supplies to participate in a single robotics competition; travel expenses to robotics competition for eligible team members; and a stipend for the mentor of an eligible team.
Matching Expenses
Each applicant shall secure matching funds in an amount equal to amount requested in application by the time the application is submitted.
Funding Availability
There is a maximum award of $5,000. If the requests from applications approved exceed the amount of funding, the department will prorate the amount it awards to each applicant. The Department of Public Instruction cannot award more than $5,000 to an eligible team in a school year.
Grant Period
Grants shall be for the period of November 1, 2019 - June 30, 2020. All applications must demonstrate an equal amount of matching funds.
Step 1: Submit Online
- All applications were to be electronically submitted by 11:59 pm on October 15, 2019. Late applications will not be accepted.
- The electronic submission webpage will display a confirmation page when your application has been received.
Application Due Date
Electronically submitted applications were to be received by 11:59 pm on October 15, 2019. Late applications will not be accepted.
Step 2: Print and Mail
- The online form will instruct you to print specific pages of your application.
- A printed copy of your submission must be signed by the School District Principal, Private School Administrator, Charter School Principal,
Home-based School Administrator, or Other Administrator and mailed to:
WI Department of Public Instruction
Attn: Cassandra Fabian
PO Box 7841
Madison, WI 53707-7841
Step 3: Contest Participation
- Eligible team participates in one or more competitions that require teams to design and operate robots.
- The competition(s) shall be sponsored by a qualifying 501 (c)3 nonprofit corporation.
Allowable Expenses
All expenses shall be during the period of November 1, 2019 - June 30, 2020. Required fees, required kits, and required supplies to participate in robotics competition; travel expenses to robotics competition for eligible team members; and a stipend for the mentor of an eligible team.
Step 4: Expense Reporting
- After eligible robotics team has competed, complete the Post-Conference Expense Reporting (PI-2774) form.
- Submit with receipts. If a school district, a printout of the general ledger will be sufficient.
- A printed copy of your submission must be signed by the School District Principal, Private School Administrator, Charter School Principal,
Home-based School Administrator, or Other Administrator and mailed to:
WI Department of Public Instruction
Attn: Cassandra Fabian
PO Box 7841
Madison, WI 53707-7841
robotics@dpi.wi.gov
About the Grant
With the recent signing of the biennial budget on July 3, 2019 we are pleased to announce continued funding for participation in robotics competitions. Under this appropriation, grant awards will be available of up to $5,000 to public schools, 2R and 2X charter schools, private schools and home-based educational programs to facilitate participation in robotics competitions. Effective August 2, 2018, eligible teams include students in grades 6 through 12 and have at least one mentor. Allowable expense will include fees, kits, supplies required to participate in a single robotics competition, travel expenses, and a stipend for the mentor of an eligible team. Read the statute in full here.
Related Documents
- Robotics Grant Application Instructions - updated 9/5/2019
- PI-2773: Robotics Grant Example Application - an example application to reference before completing the online submission
- PI-2774: Robotics Grant Post-Conference Expense Reporting - Complete this form, including receipts, to claim grant funds