Grant Application for
Petoskey Robotics
Mission Statement:
Petoskey Robotics was founded in 2010 and is committed to promoting STEM education in our community and throughout Northern Michigan. Our mission is to foster an environment that encourages youth to Engineer the Future through student-led initiatives. Currently our program supports 12 teams across K-12th grade including over 150 student members.
Fiscal agent if applicant is not tax exempt:
Public Schools of Petoskey
Tax ID Number:
38-6001179
Contact First Name:
Contact Last Name:
Jen
Buchanan
Address:
1500 Hill St., Petoskey, MI 49770
Email:
Phone Number:
2318380114
Website:
Project Name:
Petoskey Robotics
Project start and end dates:
September 1, 2024
August 31, 2025
Amount Requested:
$
2500
Project Description:
Female members are such a core component of our program it would be difficult to separate out funds that specifically apply to them. We're requesting Hestia's support through program sponsorship, in the same manner as we worked with Hestia in past years. Through continued support of the overall program, Hestia will be helping to keep this unique opportunity available to young women in our community.
We are dedicated to fostering a passion for STEM among youth in Petoskey, Michigan. Our initiative aims to establish robotics clubs in local schools, develop an integrated curriculum, provide hands-on workshops and training, organize community events, competitions, and outreach programs, all supported by partnerships and sponsorships. Through FIRST Robotics, we aspire to empower students to become the next generation of innovators, equipped with the skills and confidence to tackle real-world challenges and make a positive impact in their community and beyond.
Goal of the Project
How many people will you reach?
140
What percentage are female?
37
If your program serves both males and females, how will Hestia funds specifically target women and girls?
An example of a female-focused initiative being considered this year is participation in an all-girl competition. While it is commonplace to have female presence on our Drive Team and/or Pit Crew, this competition would require 100% of these roles be filled by girls, which would encourage more girls on the team to step into roles otherwise filled by their male teammates and offer hands-on experience in Engineering, Programming, Electronics, Game Strategy, Communication, and Teamwork.
In addition to specific female-focused initiatives like the example above, program funds in general are used to maintain the program and offer ample opportunities for girl members to step into leadership roles. Throughout this past season our high school team was awarded multiple Team Spirit awards thanks to the effort of our female sub-team captain in charge of Spirit. Our female member of the Drive team also won us several competition matches by scoring last-second points as the Human Player. Our Finance sub-team is captained by a young lady who is helping rebuild our fundraising and sponsorship efforts.
Hestia's support through sponsorship would help ensure these initiatives and opportunities remain available.
How are recipients identified or selected to receive services? Is financial need considered?
Recipients of services within the Petoskey Robotics program are selected considering many factors such as interest, commitment, and potential impact. Initial outreach efforts may involve collaboration with local schools to identify students interested in robotics or STEM fields, as well as promoting the program through community channels. Additionally, we welcome participants of all backgrounds and skill levels, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility to those who may not have prior experience in robotics. While financial need is not a primary criterion for participation, we are committed to providing opportunities for all students regardless of their financial circumstances. Therefore, we offer scholarships and financial assistance to ensure that cost is not a barrier to participation for those in need. Ultimately, our goal is to create a diverse community that includes a strong female presence.
What do you hope to achieve? What difference will this make in the lives of women and girls?
How will this project meet Hestia's mission statement?
A goal of the Petoskey Robotics program is to empower women and girls to pursue their interests in STEM fields, break down gender barriers, and ultimately, cultivate a more diverse and inclusive robotics community. By providing targeted support, resources, and opportunities, we aim to address the underrepresentation of women in STEM and inspire the next generation of female leaders, innovators, and engineers. We envision a future where women and girls in Petoskey feel confident and empowered to pursue their passions in robotics and STEM, contributing their unique perspectives and talents to solve real-world challenges. This project aligns with Hestia's mission statement by promoting gender equity, fostering educational opportunities, and empowering individuals to reach their full potential, thus creating a more equitable and inclusive society. Through our efforts, we seek to make a tangible difference in the lives of women and girls, not only within the realm of robotics but also in their broader academic and professional pursuits, setting them on a path towards lifelong success and fulfillment.
This year we added 9 elementary teams and plan more next year. These programs had low female numbers and we will work to increase it.
How will you evaluate or measure your success:
We will measure the success of the Petoskey Robotics program through a comprehensive evaluation approach, including participant feedback surveys, performance in competitions, attendance and retention rates, skills development assessments, diversity and inclusion tracking, and qualitative testimonials. We analyze data across these dimensions to gauge the program's impact on participant engagement, learning outcomes, diversity, and overall community involvement. Success will be demonstrated by increased participant satisfaction, improved performance in competitions, higher attendance and retention rates, enhanced skills proficiency, greater diversity among participants, and compelling success stories highlighting the program's transformative effect on the community.
Grant Project Budget Form
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