Sec. 99h.

(1) From the state school aid fund appropriation in section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $4,700,000.00 for 2019-2020 for competitive grants to districts and intermediate districts, that provide pupils in grades K to 12 with expanded opportunities to improve mathematics, science, and technology skills by participating in events hosted by a science and technology development program known as FIRST (for inspiration and recognition of science and technology) Robotics, including JR FIRST Lego League, FIRST Lego League, FIRST Tech challenge, and FIRST Robotics competition, or other competitive robotics programs, including VEX and those hosted by the Robotics Education and Competition (REC) Foundation. Programs funded under this section are intended to increase the number of pupils demonstrating proficiency in science and mathematics on the state assessments and to increase the number of pupils who are college- and career-ready upon high school graduation. Notwithstanding section 17b, the department shall make grant payments to districts, and intermediate districts under this section on a schedule determined by the department. The department shall set maximum grant awards for each different level of competition in a manner that both maximizes the number of teams that will be able to receive funds and expands the geographical distribution of teams.

(2) A district, or intermediate district applying for a grant under this section shall submit an application in a form and manner determined by the department. To be eligible for a grant, a district, or intermediate district shall demonstrate in its application that the district, or intermediate district has established a partnership for the purposes of the robotics program with at least 1 sponsor, business entity, higher education institution, or technical school, shall submit a spending plan, and shall pay at least 25% of the cost of the robotics program.

(3) The department shall distribute the grant funding under this section for the following purposes:

(a) Grants to districts, or intermediate districts to pay for stipends not to exceed $1,500.00 for 1 coach per team.

(b) Grants to districts, or intermediate districts for event registrations, materials, travel costs, and other expenses associated with the preparation for and attendance at robotics events and competitions. Each grant recipient shall provide a local match from other private or local funds for the funds received under this subdivision equal to at least 50% of the costs of participating in an event.

(c) Grants to districts, or intermediate districts for awards to teams that advance to the state and world championship competitions. The department shall determine an equal amount per team for those teams that advance to the state championship and a second equal award amount to those teams that advance to the world championship.

(6) The funds allocated under this section for 2018-2019 are a work project appropriation, and any unexpended funds for 2018-2019 are carried forward into 2019-2020. The purpose of the work project is to continue support of FIRST Robotics and must not be used to support other robotics competitions. The estimated completion date of the work project is September 30, 2021.

History: Add. 2013, Act 60, Eff. Oct. 1, 2013 ;-- Am. 2014, Act 116, Imd. Eff. Apr. 11, 2014 ;-- Am. 2014, Act 196, Eff. Oct. 1, 2014 ;-- Am. 2015, Act 85, Eff. Oct. 1, 2015 ;-- Am. 2016, Act 249, Eff. Oct. 1, 2016 ;-- Am. 2016, Act 313, Eff. Oct. 6, 2016 ;-- Am. 2017, Act 108, Eff. Oct. 1, 2017 ;-- Am. 2017, Act 143, Imd. Eff. Nov. 2, 2017 ;-- Am. 2018, Act 265, Imd. Eff. June 28, 2018 ;-- Am. 2018, Act 586, Imd. Eff. Dec. 28, 2018 ;-- Am. 2019, Act 58, Eff. Oct. 1, 2019 Compiler's Notes: Former MCL 388.1699h, which pertained to FIRST robotics competitions, was repealed by Act 137 of 2007, Imd. Eff. Nov. 8, 2007.In subsection (1), as amended by Act 58 of 2019, the following phrase "and from the general fund appropriation in section 11, there is allocated an amount not to exceed $300,000.00 for 2019-2020 for competitive grants to nonpublic schools" and the phrase "nonpublic schools," was vetoed by the governor on September 30, 2019.In subsections (2) and (3)(a), (b), and (c), as amended by Act 58 of 2019, the phrase "nonpublic schools," was vetoed by the governor on September 30, 2019.Subsections (4) and (5), as amended by Act 58 of 2019, were vetoed by the governor on September 30, 2019.