Title:
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Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute the Seminole County Government - Florida First Robotics Education Foundation Partnership Agreement in the amount of $40,000 for the purpose of advancing STEM education and workforce development for Seminole County students. Countywide (Andrea Wesser-Brawner, Chief Innovation and Strategic Initiatives Officer)
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Division:
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Innovation and Strategic Initiatives - Economic Development
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Authorized By:
Andrea Wesser-Brawner, Chief Innovation and Strategic Initiatives Officer
Contact/Phone Number:
Guilherme Cunha/407-665-2901
Background:
Florida First Robotics Education Foundation uses robots and coding to teach youth to complete relevant challenges with budget and time limitations, in a team environment that encourages creative solutions, quality work, the value of others, and that demonstrates that fierce competition and mutual gain are compatible, through our Core Values and Coopertition Ethos.
Florida First Robotics Education Foundation goals for the students from Seminole County. This includes:
(a) inspiring the Next Generation of STEM Professionals: Engage students in exciting, mentor-based programs that build science, engineering, and technology skills. By participating in FRC, students are not only introduced to the fundamentals of engineering and robotics but also learn critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are essential for any STEM profession.
(b) fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Encourage students to innovate and solve real-world problems through the design and building of robots. FRC challenges students to think like engineers and entrepreneurs, developing not just technical skills but also the ability to work under pressure, manage projects, and collaborate with team members.
(c) enhancing Workforce Development: Prepare students for the workforce by exposing them to real-world engineering challenges and the importance of teamwork, leadership, and communication. The competition mimics a fast-paced business environment where students must meet deadlines, budget constraints, and performance criteria.
(d) promoting Community Engagement and Collaboration: Build partnerships between students, educational institutions, businesses, and local communities. FRC serves as a platform for community involvement, where local businesses can mentor students, provide resources, and get involved in STEM education.
(e) stimulating Economic Growth through STEM Education: Highlight the role of STEM education in economic development. By focusing on STEM, FRC directly contributes to preparing students for high-demand jobs in engineering, technology, and other related fields, which are crucial for the competitiveness of any economy.
(f) providing monthly web conferences with the Economic Development Team sharing information on the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs);
(g) providing annually for each year this agreement is in effect, Florida First Robotics Education Foundation will provide a verbal report to the Board of County Commissioners.
If approved, the budget will be allocated via Budget Amendment Request (BAR) in March using General Fund Reserves.
Funds are being allocated with consideration of the unexpended FY23 JGI/QTI budgets.
Requested Action:
Staff requests that the Board approve and authorize the Chairman to execute the Seminole County Government - Florida First Robotics Education Foundation, Inc Partnership Agreement in the amount of $40,000 for the purpose of advancing STEM education and workforce development for Seminole County students.