The purpose of this announcement is to allow official Boosting Engineering, Science, and Technology (BEST) Robotics Local Competition Hubs, within their first five years of existence, the opportunity to obtain financial support for purchasing new robotic kits. The additional robotics kits increases the number of competing teams and advances the awareness of and engagement in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) with K-12 populations.
The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) STEM Outreach Program’s goal is to increase STEM awareness and proficiency among K-12 and college students to enhance the number of U.S. scientists and engineers capable of solving future missile defense challenges in the government, industry, and academia.
BEST Robotics, Inc. (www.bestinc.org) is a non-profit, volunteer-based organization whose mission is to inspire students to pursue careers in engineering, science, technology, and mathematics through participation in a sports-like, science-and-engineering-based robotics competition. BEST's mission is to engage, inspire and excite students to pursue STEM majors and STEM careers through the vehicle of an after-school robotics program and competition. BEST values access and diversity and encourages participation of all students and schools by providing a free program supported through the fundraising and mentoring efforts of a large higher education and industry volunteer corps.
Deadline: May 6, 2022
Official BEST Robotics Inc. Local Competition Hubs that are managed by or work closely with a Higher Education Agency (HEA), such as a junior college or university, are eligible to apply for funds via this grant. For hubs not managed by, yet closely working with an HEA, all receipted and payment portions of the grant must be processed through the HEA’s grant office. Also, all non-HEA hubs must be classified as non-profit, 501(c)(3).
Each hub’s individual grant award will vary, but may not exceed $15,000.00. While the cost of the consumable portions of each kit may vary by region and vendor, requested funding amounts should reflect the estimated kit cost of $1,500.00 per kit. Applicants should be aware that funding availability may change with little or no notice.
