The Plymouth Community School Corporation is proud to announce its selection as one of the recipients of the prestigious 2023-2024 K-12 Robotics Competition Grant from the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE), with special congratulations to Laurie Wandland and the Robotics team. This grant, funded through the Indiana General Assembly, reflects PCSC’s dedication to promoting STEM education and equipping students with essential skills for emerging STEM careers and educational opportunities.
The K-12 Robotics Competition Grant aligns with Indiana’s Priorities for STEM Education, an initiative aimed at preparing educators to provide high-quality STEM learning opportunities that integrate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to enhance student learning and achievement.
With this grant, PCSC will expand its STEM and robotics programs across all grade levels, providing access to engaging STEM experiences. The grant will also equip the school with state-of-the-art robotics resources, enabling students to design and program robots for competitions. Additionally, PCSC will enhance educator training, fostering a research-based approach to STEM and robotics education.
Esteemed Robotics Coach Laurie Wandland shares her enthusiasm, stating, “This grant will enable us to introduce programs at Jefferson and Webster Elementary while also expanding existing programs at Riverside, Lincoln, and PHS. My dream is to offer every child the opportunity to explore and learn through a world-class K-12 robotics program that prioritizes student learning, growth, and development. Competitive robotics not only enhances our students’ STEM skills but also hones their communication, leadership, and project management abilities.”
This grant represents a partnership between PCSC and the IDOE to prepare students for the growing STEM job market in Indiana. According to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, the computer and mathematical job sector in Indiana is projected to increase to nearly 69,000 jobs by 2028, creating over 7,000 new opportunities compared to its 2018 base of 61,344 jobs.
PCSC is honored to be part of Indiana’s STEM education movement and is committed to providing high-quality STEM education to its students. This grant will significantly contribute to advancing PCSC’s STEM initiatives and preparing students for bright futures in STEM-related careers.
