Grant could help promote robotics for Laconia middle schoolers

LACONIA — The middle school robotics program could get a jolt worth nearly $7,000, if school board members agree to accept a grant at its meeting on Tuesday night.

The school board will consider the acceptance of a grant from the state’s Department of Education worth $6,950. In a letter sharing Laconia Middle School had succeeded in acquiring the grant, the state noted the money must be spent by May 30, 2025, it must be applied toward expanded participation in robotics education, particularly for students under-represented in such programs, and the district will provide the state with reporting that details how the grant was spent and how it benefited students.

Specifically, the middle school can use the grant to pay for robotics parts and tools, registration fees, coaching stipends, team uniforms and transportation costs.

The Laconia School Board is expected to consider accepting the grant at its meeting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3. The meeting will be held at the district office at 39 Harvard St. and is open to the public.