The Crosstown Robotics Coalition builds on the momentum of earlier HEF projects funded by Boeing by expanding the tools that are available in high school robotics classrooms. Both high schools received classroom sets of VEX robotics kits in early 2026, and they’ve already started putting them to good use. Developing staff proficiency in teaching robotics skills is also a key element of this project. A significant portion of the grant funding will go towards professional development for high school robotics teachers as well as for middle and elementary teachers across the district. The high school teachers will receive training directly from VEX Robotics, and LEGO will return to Helena this summer to offer training for educators K-8. The overarching goal of this grant is to equip Helena educators to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers who will go on to become engineers/software developers/machinists and general creative problem solvers in our community.