Connecticut Invests in Advanced Manufacturing Education with $4.8 Million Robotics Initiative

Connecticut is bolstering its advanced manufacturing workforce pipeline with a $4.8 million investment aimed at expanding robotics and advanced manufacturing education in schools statewide. The initiative, funded through the Manufacturing Innovation Fund, will provide students with hands-on experience in STEM fields and prepare them for future careers in these growing industries.

Building a Skilled Workforce

The Connecticut Office of Manufacturing (OOM), a division of the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), is spearheading the effort. The funding will support interactive STEM programs designed to give students real-world experience in science, technology, engineering and mathematics . ReadyCT, a nonprofit organization, will play a crucial role in implementing these programs and connecting students with relevant career pathways .

ReadyCT’s Role and Mission

ReadyCT collaborates with business, civic, and educational leaders to advance academic excellence and career-connected learning for all public school students in Connecticut . The organization believes that schools must equip students to become thriving citizens and professionals. ReadyCT operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and is strategically aligned with CBIA and CONNSTEP .

Key Program Components

The $4.8 million investment will support a variety of robotics platforms, including FIRST® Robotics and VEX Robotics® programs . Schools and students will gain access to resources for both new and existing teams, enabling participation in competitions, summer camps, and teacher professional development. The initiative will also pilot new robotics curriculum integrating robotics-based STEM learning from kindergarten through high school.

Specifically, the funding will provide:

• Rookie team grants for schools starting new robotics teams
• Hardship grants for teams facing financial barriers
• Immersive experiences utilizing technologies like Ozobots and Oculus VR headsets to simulate manufacturing environments
• Opportunities for students to participate in competitions such as Future City, which focuses on engineering and manufacturing concepts.

Industry and Education Collaboration

“This $4.8 million investment represents an investment in Connecticut’s students and our future workforce in advanced manufacturing and engineering,” stated Kirti Patel, Connecticut’s Chief Manufacturing Officer . Patel emphasized that robotics programs cultivate critical technical skills, problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and leadership qualities essential for success in advanced manufacturing.

Shannon Marimón, Executive Director of ReadyCT, added, “When students are introduced to robotics and manufacturing early, they gain confidence, creativity, and an understanding of how STEM can lead to exciting careers.”

Manufacturing Careers Roadshow 2025

Complementing this investment, ReadyCT is hosting the CT Manufacturing Careers Roadshow 2025, designed to connect local students with the modern manufacturing world . This event provides manufacturers with a platform to showcase their companies, technologies, and career opportunities . The roadshow aims to shape the future workforce by engaging hundreds of middle and high school students eager to explore manufacturing careers .

Manufacturers can exhibit to showcase innovation, connect with future talent, and invest in the local manufacturing sector . Interested companies can register for the event and find more information by contacting deb.presbie@readyct.org .