(a) In this section, “eligible organization” means a nonprofit organization that:
(1) Provides youth with an out–of–school time experience that focuses on personal and workforce development; and
(2) Serves public school students as a majority of its participating youth.
(b) (1) There is a Robotics Grant Program in the State.
(2) The purpose of the Program is to provide grants to public schools and eligible organizations in the State to support existing robotics programs and to increase the number of robotics programs in the State.
(c) (1) A school or an eligible organization is eligible to receive a grant under this section if the school or eligible organization is proposing a new robotics program or club or has an existing robotics program or club.
(2) An eligible organization is eligible to receive a grant under this section only if the eligible organization is associated with a public school.
(d) The Governor shall include in the State budget an annual appropriation of at least $350,000 to the Program.
(e) (1) The Department shall implement and administer the Program in accordance with this section.
(2) To the extent practicable, the Department shall award grants to ensure geographic diversity among the grantees.
(f) The Department may adopt regulations to implement the requirements of this section.