The state of Iowa has recently passed legislation significantly boosting support for the growing field of robotics. These opportunities are aimed to help students from all age groups showcase and nurture their talents in the technology and engineering fields.
Senate File 278, formerly Senate File 61, was introduced on Feb. 12, 2025. The bill seeks to reinforce the state’s commitment to promoting robotics and STEM education. The primary aim of SF 278 is to support robotics extracurricular activities. It ensures the Department of Education provides the needed resources and assistance for school districts related to promoting STEM careers.
SF 278 passed the house on March 4, making it a pivotal moment. The bill established interscholastic opportunities for robotics teams across the state and ensured they have access to the tools needed to succeed. “This bill would benefit our Industrial Technology programming because we would meet the CTSO designation which is required to be a certified CTE program and for funding at many levels. I need to learn more about the high school athletic organization portion of the bill.” said industrial technology Teacher Jason Franzenburg.
The bill also introduced two new subsections.
Subsection 69 provides opportunities for school districts related to chartering careers and student organizations complying with Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006. This act helps improve, expand and fund career and technical education programs (CTE) in schools, colleges and communities. It helps modernize these CTE classes. The Perkins Act encourages innovative approaches to CTE and is accountable for successful outcomes.
Similarly, subsection 280-13D states that an organization that receives monetary funding from memberships, district pay dues or a non-public school originating from the state, may be eligible for interscholastic competitions or robotics-related opportunities. This broadens the scope for robotics education and competition across Iowa’s schools and increases experiences for interested students.
With the emphasis on STEM education, the First Tech Challenge, more commonly known as FTC, exemplifies as a robotics competition designed to inspire students to explore and pursue careers in STEM related fields. Students in grades 7-12 participate in teams of up to 15 members to build programs and operate robots. The challenge focuses on skills such as teamwork and leadership, giving students the opportunity to learn from engineering professionals.
The 2025 First Tech Challenge Iowa Championship took place in Iowa City, from Feb. 28th to March 1st, highlighting the state’s growth and commitment towards fostering STEM innovations. This high-level competition has gained popularity due its critical thinking and real world application of STEM principles. 72 teams across Iowa competed for recognition and a spot at the World Championship in Houston from April 16 – April 19, 2025.
These opportunities and championships are key in fostering students’ potential within the robotics community. They help students nurture and showcase their capabilities for essential opportunities in the future. “It was fun competing at the FTC Championship,” said senior Abhinav Anthati. “It was exciting to see the world record for this get set there”.
By facilitating the growth of these programs, Iowa’s commitment to helping students prepare for success in the STEM fields is increasing.
