Robots rising: Schools earn funding for STEM success

Learning about science, technology, engineering and math can help students prepare to thrive in the modern economy. A new grant will help two Wayne County school districts provide related opportunities focused on robotics.

Western Wayne Schools and Centerville-Abington Community Schools are among the 92 recipients of the 2025-2026 K-12 Robotics Competition Grant. Indiana Department of Education’s Office of Teaching and Learning announced the winners in late August.

Schools received varying amounts through the competitive grant process, which is designed to increase student participation and achievement in STEM education.

Western Wayne Schools

WWS received $27,000, which will purchase more robotics kits, parts and storage to be used in the new Robotics Room at Lincoln Middle/High School that was created last school year. WWS has robotics teams at the elementary, middle and high school levels.

The Eaglebots’ coach, Misty Ingalls, is excited about the grant.

Ingalls is in her 27th year of teaching at Western Wayne Elementary and in her fourth year as STEM teacher for grades K-6 and media specialist.

She began leading the robotics program four years ago after its founder, Zak Zurwell, departed.

Ingalls said it’s been very exciting to have a space dedicated just for robotics. With the new space, they are able to keep both fields up for the elementary/middle school and high school programs.

WWS’ robotic competition members range from fifth graders to seniors.

Ingalls said WWS has been focused on purchasing items for high school competition teams because the number of teams is increasing.

WWS students benefit in several ways from this program, Ingalls said. They’re collaborating with each other, following the Engineering Design Process and being innovative.

“I love how the older students can help the younger students in learning different aspects about robotics,” Ingalls said. “Overall, I believe the students enjoy designing, creating and competing. Their faces at competition when something goes well is priceless.”

WWS robotics has received additional support from multiple sources. The student-led Lincoln Golden Eagle Industries made the team’s competition shirts last season. The Ohio-based GPD Group of architects, engineers and planners also provides a grant that offsets registration and competition fees and supplies each year.

Centerville-Abington

Centerville-Abington Elementary received $9,000 from the state, and will partner with State Farm Insurance, Blue Buffalo and Bader Services for its robotics program.

CAE’s grant will pay for at least three competitions, supplies and a stipend to two coaches. 

Tammy Chavis, CACS director of student learning, said robotics is not a new program for the district, but it is growing.

“Students benefit from robotics because of its hands-on activities,” Chavis said. “They are exposed to coding at an early age and develop problem solving skills and learn to work as a team.”   

Awarded through funds appropriated by Indiana General Assembly beginning in 2023, IDOE officials said in a news release that the grant aligns with the mission of Indiana’s Priorities for STEM Education.