OKLAHOMA CITY -- Southmoore High school is one of 24 state high schools that will receive state funded robotics grants, State Superintendent Sandy Garrett announced recently.

Garrett said those high schools receiving the grants, must, by law, use the funds for entrance in Oklahoma regional and/or national robotics competitions.

"This is an exciting program that was created as part of Oklahoma's Creativity Project," she said. "In a time when our state and country are desperate for more professionals in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, projects like this are an effective way to nurture and challenge students who have an interest and talent in these subjects."

Garrett said this is the second year for the robotics grant program, which distributes about $100,000 annually in competitive grants.

High schools announced as first-time winners of the state-funded robotics grant will receive $5,000 each. Second-year grant winners are being awarded $3,666 for their robotics teams.