Governor J.B. Pritzker declares STEM Education Day on March 10th, 2023

Aurora, IL March 8th , 2023 – Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has declared March 10th , 2023 as STEM Education Day in recognition of the continuing importance of the National Science Foundation’s math and science education programs, to encourage Illinois school districts to fund afterschool robotics programs.
Hands on robotics experience is rapidly proving to be one of the most effective, compelling, and engaging means for teaching and reinforcing fundamental science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts as well as inspiring the nation’s youth to pursue STEM-related careers, creating a highly skilled, 21st -century American workforce.
Robotics has matured into an all-encompassing and enabling technology that, as a pillar of 21st -century American innovation, is positioned to fuel a broad array of next generation products and applications to transform our society.

The State of Illinois must continue to make deep, hands-on STEM experiences a true priority in school districts with programming that build strong foundations for STEM literacy, increases diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM, and prepares the STEM workforce for the future.
The FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics team, Rounded Cube met with the Governor of Illinois J.B. Pritzker on February 15 th , 2023 and requested the proclamation to increase awareness of the importance of STEM education in school districts across Illinois and to ensure equitable participation that enriches the educational experience for all Illinois students. The members of the team include Kyran Siddiqui from Oswego East High School, Oswego, IL, Aadil Barkat from Waubonsie Valley High School, Aurora, IL, Analicia Cruz from Aurora Center Catholic school, Aurora IL, Christopher Carmona from Fred Rodgers Magnet Academy, Aurora. IL, Christian Chavez from Cowherd Middle School, Aurora, IL , Karen Badillo from Cowherd Middle School, Aurora, IL, Natalia Cruz from Aurora center Catholic school, Sophie Escobedo Resendiz from Fred Rodgers Magnet Academy, Aurora, IL, Evan Mauricio from Washington Middle School Aurora, IL, Emiliano Amezcua from Covenant Christian School, Aurora, IL and Tiffany Jackson who is Homeschooled.
The team is also advocating for bipartisan support of Illinois House Bill HB3752 introduced in the 103rd General Assembly, which amends the State Commemorative Dates Act and provides that the Governor shall annually designate, by official proclamation, the third Friday in March as Robotics Day to encourage students and school districts to engage in robotics-based activities and to engage students with the study of mathematics and science.

For more information about the STEM Education Day Proclamation and Illinios House Bill 3752, please contact the FIRST Tech Challenge team Rounded Cube at FTC18183@gmail.com