Klinker congratulates local robotics teams, wishes them good luck in world championship

Today, April 17, robotics teams from Harrison High School, McCutcheon High School and West Lafayette Jr./Sr. High School are competing in the 2024 FIRST World Championship in robotics. FIRST Robotics is a nonprofit international youth organization that invites teams of high school students – of all skill levels – to compete. The three teams traveled to Houston, Texas for the championship. 

In the 2024 legislative session, Rep. Klinker co-authored House Enrolled Act 1233 which amended the “allowable expenses” definition for Indiana’s Robotics Competition program. The change allows robotics teams to use grant funds on expenses associated with competitions.

State Rep. Sheila Klinker (D-Lafayette) released the following congratulatory statement: 

“During the 2024 session, I co-authored a piece of legislation to expand the robotics program. I'm pleased to see its impact already in Lafayette. Our high school students interested in STEM are Indiana’s future engineers, scientists, analysts and more. I have high hopes for the future based on the abilities of our youth in the Greater Lafayette area. I would like to congratulate these three teams on their hard work and achievements. It’s an amazing feat to make it to the world championship, and I wish our teams good luck as they compete. 

“This past weekend I had the opportunity to meet many of these students at the Lafayette Jefferson High School Crawley Center. I loved hearing about their robotics projects, and their passion for technology and science was inspiring. It was astounding to see the various models our local teams designed with differing materials. In the world of education, it is paramount that we foster our students' interests and passions. I believe our robotics teams and their successes are evidence of what transpires when you encourage your students. I’m proud of our Lafayette teams, and I hope you do well in the world championship.”