The bill, S.F. No. 1871, proposes the establishment of a robotics program grants initiative in Minnesota. It directs the commissioner of education to create a competitive grant program that provides funding to school districts and charter schools for their high school robotics teams.

Key Provisions of the Bill:

1. Grant Program Establishment:

   • The Minnesota Department of Education will oversee the program.

2. Eligibility & Application:

   • School districts and charter schools can apply for funding in a format determined by the commissioner.

3. Use of Grant Funds:

   • Funds may be used for:
     
     1. Operational costs of robotics programs (new and existing).
        
     2. Stipends for robotics coaches.
        
     3. Competition expenses (event registration, materials, travel, etc.).

4. Grant Administration:

   • Grants will be awarded to qualified applicants based on submitted applications including a program budget.

5. Reporting Requirements:

   • The commissioner of education must submit a report to the legislature summarizing the recipients and planned grant-funded activities.
     
   • Each grant recipient must report on the outcomes of the funded robotics program, particularly its impact on college and career readiness.

6. Appropriations:

   • The bill allocates funding from the general fund for the grants.

This legislation aims to enhance STEM education by supporting robotics programs in schools, improving student engagement and career preparedness in technology fields.