April 27, 2023/Granger, IN – The Fire Wires, a robotics team based in the South Bend area, is thrilled to announce the passing of House Bill 1382. It has been sent to Governor Holcomb’s desk. This landmark legislation will provide funding to robotics teams across Indiana, benefiting programs such as FLL, FTC, and FRC by enabling them to purchase robot kits and registration.
Under the new law, teams will be required to collaborate with non-profit or commercial organizations to raise 25% of the necessary funds. Similar laws have been enacted in Michigan, resulting in a surge in the number and quality of robotics teams, with over 10% of the world’s total robotics teams now based in Michigan.
By partnering with companies, children will be taught valuable, highly sought-after skills such as engineering, CAD, programming, CNC, welding, and much more. |
By partnering with companies, children will be taught valuable, highly sought-after skills such as engineering, CAD, programming, CNC, welding, and much more. This initiative will help prepare the next generation for the technological revolution that is unfolding before us.
The Fire Wires have been working tirelessly toward this goal since 2019, meeting with Senator Linda Rogers and introducing the bill in early 2020, only to be derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Undaunted, the team regrouped and met with Congressman Chuck Goodrich in 2021, who graciously agreed to champion the bill.
In their efforts to push the bill through, The Fire Wires learned valuable lessons about the inner workings of government and even led a letter-writing campaign that generated thousands of views.
Looking ahead, The Fire Wires hopes to double and triple the number of teams in Indiana, ensuring that every student who wants to learn STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math) has access to a fun and exciting environment that teaches highly sought-after skills.
The Fire Wires is proud of their part in getting this bill passed and is excited about the possibility of traveling to other states to help other teams get similar legislation passed. As technology advances at an unprecedented rate, it is essential that the next generation is equipped with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the digital age.
The Fire Wires would like to thank Senator Linda Rogers and Congressman Chuck Goodrich for their support of this crucial bill, as well as all those who played a role in its passage. With the passing of House Bill 1382, The Fire Wires looks forward to a bright future for Indiana’s robotics teams and the students they serve.
The Fire Wires is a proud member of the GEARS robotics family. GEARS is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting robotics for kids of all ages in an inclusive and productive environment.
