Connecticut is investing $4.8 million over two years to expand robotics and advanced manufacturing education in schools across the state, officials announced Tuesday.
Get Instant Access to This Article
Subscribe to Hartford Business Journal and get immediate access to all of our subscriber-only content and much more.
Connecticut is investing $4.3 million over two years to expand robotics and advanced manufacturing education in schools across the state, officials announced Tuesday.
The funding comes from the state’s Manufacturing Innovation Fund and will support interactive STEM programs designed to prepare students for careers in manufacturing and technology. ReadyCT, a nonprofit partner, will help schools implement the programs and connect students to career pathways in manufacturing and technology.
The initiative will fund programs across multiple robotics platforms, including FIRST Robotics and VEX Robotics, and will reach students from kindergarten through high school. Funding will also support rookie team grants for schools launching new robotics teams, hardship grants for financially constrained programs, and teacher professional development.
Students will have access to technologies such as virtual reality headsets to simulate manufacturing environments, and will be able to participate in competitions such as Future City, where they design and build models incorporating engineering and manufacturing concepts.
The investment will also fund regional Manufacturing Careers Roadshows, giving students the chance to visit local manufacturers, interact with employees and see real-world applications of classroom skills.
“When students are introduced to robotics and manufacturing early, they gain confidence, creativity and an understanding of how STEM can lead to exciting careers,” said Shannon Marimon, executive director of ReadyCT.
Kirti Patel, the state’s chief manufacturing officer, said the programs teach not only technical skills but also problem-solving, teamwork and leadership abilities.
The Connecticut Office of Manufacturing, part of the state Department of Economic and Community Development, administers the Manufacturing Innovation Fund.
