South Dakota · Private State Grant

Dan Swets Robotics Materials Award

Funding

Up to $13,000 in robotics materials

Grade Focus

K-12

Application Due

Annual — check sdsta.com for dates

Level of Gov't

Private/State — South Dakota Science Teachers Association (SDSTA)

Eligibility

South Dakota K-12 educators implementing robotics programs. The award is specifically for robotics materials — coding tools, physical computing devices, and robotics kits are the focus.

Program Goals

The Dan Swets Robotics Materials Award honors the legacy of robotics education in South Dakota by providing educators with the physical materials they need to run robotics programs. CS, coding, and physical computing tools are directly eligible.

Read the Grant

Application and Distribution

Applications submitted through the South Dakota Science Teachers Association (SDSTA). The award is annual. Check sdsta.com for the current cycle and application form.

Cycle Notes

Annual award cycle. Exact dates vary by year. Monitor sdsta.com for the current application window.

Grant Award Amount

Up to $13,000 in robotics materials. This is a materials-based award — the value is in physical equipment for your robotics program, not a cash grant.

Allowable Purchases

Forward Education Products for This Grant

These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.

Coding for Good Kit — an all-in-one coding, robotics, and AI literacy toolkit using micro:bit for real-world challenges
CodeCTRL controller with display for micro:bit — a handheld game-style controller for interactive games and physical computing
CHARGE Battery Pack for micro:bit — a compact rechargeable power solution that makes micro:bit projects fully portable
Climate Action Kit — a beginner-friendly STEM kit combining micro:bit sensors to code solutions for climate change and sustainability

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the Dan Swets award?

South Dakota K-12 educators running or launching robotics programs.

Is this a cash grant or materials?

Materials — the award provides up to $13,000 in robotics equipment, not a cash payment.

What types of materials are covered?

Robotics kits, coding tools, physical computing devices, and related supplies. Forward Education's Coding for Good Kit and CodeCTRL controller are aligned to the program goals.