Are you interested in bringing robotics and enhanced STEM education to your students for free?
ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) is a federal program in the USA that was designed to provide financial assistance to states, districts, and schools to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education. The program provides funding for initiatives that will enhance student engagement and address learning loss.
However, the ESSER program is scheduled to conclude this fall, and schools and districts only have until September 30, 2024, to utilize or commit these funds. After that date, uncommitted funds will be lost forever.
As we approach the deadline, educators who move quickly will have an opportunity to enhance learning opportunities within their schools, without impacting operational or capital budgets. With literally Billions of ESSER dollars not yet allocated, these funds offer a unique opportunity for schools to increase student engagement and shape the future of education.
Can ESSER funds be used to purchase Robots?
ESSER III funds are versatile, allowing investment in various educational initiatives, including the purchase of robotics and STEM technology. By incorporating robotics into the curriculum or extended learning programs, schools can help students gain literacy in key 21st century technologies like robotics, A.I., and computer science while fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Robotics education provides students with a powerful combination of technical and soft skills, preparing them to thrive in the workplace of the future.
How can the impact of these funds be maximized?
Robotics achieves the exact goals that ESSER was created for. Robotics education combines a wide range of STEM skills that directly align to the rapidly evolving workplace.
Our programs have been designed to engage the maximum number of students across all demographics, genders, and levels of academic achievement. For many students, the impact is profound.
We've helped high schools increase enrollment in robotics education by up to 10x for boys and 100x for girls - close to 30% of all boys and girls. Within middle schools, up to 90% of students indicate that they would be interested in learning robotics and computer science, and in elementary schools we've helped schools achieve 97% engagement.
As robotics and A.I. increasingly transform the workplace, students with these literacies will have a significant advantage across all industries.
What happens after the ESSER program concludes on September 30th, 2024?
As educators navigate the path ahead, it's crucial to consider the implications of unspent ESSER funds. Estimates suggest that by September 30, 2024, a significant portion of funds—approximately $50 billion—may remain unused.
For many schools in lesser affluent communities, the ESSER program represents a unique opportunity to improve their school's educational opportunities today, while also creating an enduring solution that will help students thrive for years to come, but educators need to act quickly.
Robots.Education can assist you with the process of purchasing robotics with ESSER funds?
We're is committed to helping schools bring robotics and A.I. education to students and we would be happy to work with you to navigate ESSER funding.
Our experienced team can help your school implement world-class robotics and computer science programs that will remain cutting-edge for the next decade.
But remember, time is of the essence as this program concludes on September 30th of 2024.
