A new robotics program funded by Alphabet Inc. and some nonprofits is coming to California middle schoolers.
Google.org, the Mountain View-based tech titan’s philanthropic arm, and the Robotics Education and Competition Foundation (RECF) have dedicated $450,000 to develop robotics and artificial intelligence programs for students in middle schools — generally, covering grades six through eight.
Some of that funding will go to creating a robotics program at Adelante II Dual Language Academy, at 1970 Cinderella Lane in East San Jose.
"Robotics programs help prepare students for their future careers by teaching them time-tested skills – creative problem solving, communication and teamwork – while also introducing them to new technology," Javier González, Google's head of government and external affairs and public policy for California, said in a news release.
Funding for the robotics programs, like the one at Adelante, come from a $10 million dollar grant first announced by Google in September. The national grant was given to RECF and another nonprofit, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) to be used to create and sustain robotics programs and help both robotics education organizations to integrate new technology into their curricula. Google's grant is expected to provide “300,000 U.S. middle schoolers” opportunities to partake in robotics programs.
Funds set aside by the RECF will specifically be used to create new clubs and support existing ones in the state, according to Google.
According to Learn Robotics LLC, a Fort Myers-Florida based robotics education startup, a new program with 20 students can cost anywhere from $10-to-$15 thousand to launch, and recommends schools budget $5,000 a year to maintain a program. However, Learn Robotics said smaller programs could require less funding, though it compromises what students have access to.
Dan Mantz, CEO of the RECF, said the organization plans on focusing efforts on underserved communities to bridge the "technological equity gap."
According to the RECF website, programs developed in coordination with the nonprofit provide educators will classroom curriculum, professional development, access to “STEM-related Online Challenges, and access to register for competitions if programs meet criteria.
It’s unclear how many programs will be developed and sustained from the RECF’s allocation.
