The Issue
Missouri students deserve access to hands-on STEM and robotics opportunities, but the cost of participating in FIRST programs can create barriers for teams and students across the state.

FIRST Robotics gives students practical experience in engineering, programming, manufacturing, electrical systems, project management, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving. These are skills that connect directly to Missouri's growing need for workers in advanced manufacturing, engineering, automation, information technology, skilled trades, transportation, and other technical fields.

However, FIRST teams face significant expenses, including registration fees, robotics components, tools, manufacturing materials, competition costs, transportation, lodging, and damaged or replacement equipment. These costs can restrict students' ability to participate in robotics programs.

The problem is especially important because FIRST programs are not limited to traditional school teams. Missouri has school-based, homeschool, nonprofit, library, youth organization, career and technical education, workforce-development, and independent community teams. Students should not lose access to these opportunities simply because their team operates outside a traditional school.
The proposed Missouri FIRST Robotics & STEM Workforce Development Grant Act would address this issue by creating a statewide grant program and seeking $2 million in annual funding to expand access to FIRST Robotics and STEM opportunities throughout Missouri.