ESSA, students with disabilities and robotics

According to the new federal spending bill signed into law in March 2018, funding is being provided for education programs and initiatives in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). FIRST Robotics The mission of FIRST Robotics is to "inspire young people to be science and technology leaders by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering, and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster wellrounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication and leadership" (firstinspires.org, 2018). FIRST robotics is designed to promote a culture called "gracious profes- sionalism," which is defined as, "a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals in the community" (firstinspires.org, 2018). [...]Congress, through ESSA, is providing funds to states and districts that can be earmarked to increase participation in informal learning environments for underrepresented students.