HR0247 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0247 LRB104 13077 MST 25060 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, FIRSTŪ, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, is a global nonprofit organization that prepares young people for the future through a suite of inclusive, team-based robotics programs for ages 4-18 with thrilling, sports-like challenges to build self-confidence and collaborative problem-solving skills, which have a proven and lasting impact on STEM learning and interest; and

WHEREAS, Robotics 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, thereby helping to create a highly skilled, 21st-century American workforce; and

WHEREAS, There is a strong need to recognize America's leadership in robotics technology, educate the public on robotics technology's broad potential, growing importance, and future impact on American society, underscore the need for increased investment in robotics technology research and development, and inspire the nation's youth to pursue careers in robotics and other STEM-related fields; and

WHEREAS, The United States has the largest number of academic and research organizations with dedicated programs focused on the advancement of robotics technology; and

WHEREAS, Aptitude in mathematics, science, and engineering is essential for a knowledge-based society; and

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois must continue to make deep, hands-on STEM experiences a true priority in school districts around the country by unlocking increased funding for programming that builds strong foundations for STEM literacy, increases diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM, and prepares the STEM workforce for the future; and

WHEREAS, Not all STEM jobs of the 21st century require a traditional four-year degree, so greater pathways toward STEM education must be encouraged; and

WHEREAS, 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 and transform our society; and

WHEREAS, The emerging market for robotics and related technology in various sectors, including health care, national defense, homeland security, energy, manufacturing, logistics, transportation, agriculture, education, consumer goods, and others, is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of nearly 20 percent over the next few years to become a worldwide $27,000,000,000 industry; and

WHEREAS, Robotics is a critical technology capable in the near term of contributing to the economic recovery by creating new jobs, increasing productivity, improving quality, and increasing worker safety; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare the third Friday in March 2025 and March 2026 as FIRSTŪ Robotics Day in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we recognize the continuing importance of the National Science Foundation's math and science education programs and encourage local school districts and other educational agencies to fund afterschool robotics programs; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we encourage schools and educators to observe the day with appropriate activities that teach students about robotics and engage them with the study of mathematics and science.