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Groton schools awarded $50,000 T‑Mobile grant to build robotics practice field
Summary
Groton Public Schools won a $50,000 T‑Mobile Hometown Grant to fund a semi‑permanent practice field for the high‑school robotics team; staff said the preferred facility would cost about $200,000 and the district is seeking additional fundraising.
The council voted unanimously to accept a $50,000 T‑Mobile Hometown Grant that the Groton Public Schools will use toward a semi‑permanent robotics practice field adjacent to the high school.
Shannon Weigel, grants facilitator for Groton Public Schools, said the award was competitive and that no match was required. The district is exploring a more permanent metal building with HVAC and appropriate flooring; staff estimate a preferred facility would cost roughly $200,000 and are seeking an additional ~$150,000 to reach that target. Weigel said the district will also consider less expensive alternatives or a scope change with the funder if the supplemental funds are not secured.
Councilors applauded the award and discussed the benefits for STEM programming and regional hosting opportunities. The resolution to accept and refer the grant to the RTM passed 7–0–0.
Why this matters: The grant addresses an ongoing facilities gap for a successful robotics team and could help the district expand STEM extracurricular programming and host regional competitions.
