Indy Standard

Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) is advancing its STEM education initiatives with the support of a Robotics Competition Grant from the Indiana Department of Education. This grant, amounting to $55,000, will benefit 24 IPS schools in the current academic year by supporting both new and existing VEX IQ and VEX V5 robotics teams across K-12 levels.

Kelsey High, the district’s Senior STEM coordinator, emphasized the broader impact of robotics beyond mere construction. "Robotics is about so much more than just building a robot. It’s about collaboration, teamwork, and solving complex problems," she stated. The grant aims to facilitate these learning experiences through hands-on activities and real-world challenges.

One significant barrier for many robotics clubs is the annual cost associated with field elements and team registration fees. With this funding, IPS teams will have financial support to cover these expenses along with acquiring second-generation robotics brains, controllers, and other essential components necessary for competition.

The upcoming Rapid Relay event marks the second annual IPS Robotics Competition. Scheduled for November 16 at Arsenal Technical High School under Robotics Coach Isaac Adams' leadership, it will feature high school VEX V5 teams from across Indiana. Arsenal Tech plans to present five teams while Shortridge will contribute three teams to this event. Another competition targeting elementary and middle school VEX IQ teams is planned for the spring semester.

High noted that there has been a noticeable increase in K-12 robotics competitions due to changes in STEM curricula, improved access to resources, and heightened awareness of robotics' significance. She mentioned that colleges now inquire about applicants’ robotics experience and some states recognize it as an official high school sport.

"The goal is to expand robotics across all IPS schools," High said. "This grant will allow us to grow for years to come, ensuring every student has the opportunity to be part of a robotics team." For IPS, this represents an important move toward establishing comprehensive STEM opportunities throughout the district.