Student robotics teams press MCPS for county committee, funding and space; board and superintendent promise follow‑up

More than a dozen students representing robotics teams across Montgomery County told the Board of Education Sept. 25 that lack of funding, build space, mentors and equipment are making robotics inaccessible for many students.

"Robotics isn't just an extracurricular activity. Through robotics, kids learn about design, programming, public speaking, business skills, and more," said Samarth Kurata of the 47 Beavers student team. Multiple student speakers described team fees of roughly $500, rising registration costs, the cost of industrial‑grade tools and the need to travel for machining and competitions.

Speakers asked the board to consider creation of a Montgomery County robotics committee to provide teams a direct line to county administration, propose a county grant program, and identify shared fabrication space and mentors. Students said teams often must split work across multiple towns because large, appropriately equipped workspaces require multiyear leases or are otherwise inaccessible.

Board members responded positively and pledged to follow up. Board member (and volunteer) Rivera Oven praised the students' presentation and noted prior volunteer work supporting robotics teams. Board member Silvestri said the superintendent had been asked to explore a partnership with the University of Maryland and pursue grant funding; Superintendent Taylor told the board MCPS is seeking partners and grant funds to support middle‑school expansion and high‑school robotics, and named a coordinator who will help make connections.

"We are in the process of engaging with the University of Maryland in a partnership, seeking grant funds to support, middle school expansion and high school support for robotics," the superintendent said.

Board members said they would ask the superintendent to meet with student leaders, hear their white paper, and report back. Several board members also suggested existing local companies and federal agencies in the county (for example, NIST was mentioned in the meeting) could be recruited as partners.

Why it matters: Students said robotics programs teach STEM, teamwork and leadership but are increasingly dependent on family income and school resources. The students' ask — a formal county‑level committee, grant support and shared facilities — would shift some program sustainability responsibilities from volunteer groups to county administration if adopted.