Advocacy

National Advocacy Conference

Our team has participated at the National Advocacy Conference for three years, advocating for an increase of funding for STEM programs on a national scale. This three-day event is crucial for our advocacy efforts. Over the first two days, our students dive into the intricacies of legislation affecting STEM programs. Then, armed with newfound knowledge and skills, they gather at the US Capitol on the third day to translate theory into action, making a tangible impact.

Wisconsin Advocacy Conference

Our team proudly stands as one of the three founding members of the Wisconsin Advocacy Conference. Even now, we maintain an active presence with one of our members serving on the planning committee. Our team member contributes significantly to the conference's planning process and also takes the stage to empower fellow students with advocacy skills. During the conference, attendees seize the opportunity to engage with local senators and representatives, advocating fervently for a heightened DPI grant.

What is the DPI grant?

The state of Wisconsin originally passed the DPI grant in 2015, bringing extended funding to Robotics and STEM-related activities. The Department of Public Instruction Grant is funded at $750,000 per year in the state of Wisconsin, allowing teams to claim a maximum of $6,000 annually. However, more is still necessary to fulfill the needs of all teams requesting additional funding. In past years, teams have only been able to get half of the money they are requesting. The DPI grant is available for all charter schools, private schools, and home-based private education programs with students from grades 6th through 12th. This grant is often used by startup teams for initial expenses and by senior teams for extra robot parts. Teams have some freedom when it comes to spending the $6,000; they can use the money for things such as event expenses, robot parts, and travel expenses. To claim this grant, teams are required to submit all purchase receipts they would like to claim as a "DPI Grant expense" by no later than April 1st; teams are then reimbursed by the end of that fiscal year. Our goal as STEM advocates is to help support the increase in DPI grant funding to ensure that all teams can receive the full amount to meet the funding needs of individual teams throughout Wisconsin. Our past advocacy has proven to work! Students like me and you in Wisconsin were able to advocate for an increase from $500,000 to $750,000.

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