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year. As children are exposed at an earlier age to robotics, it will be amazing what they will be able to do when they get to high school. He agreed the youth grants should relate to the Youth Master Plan. He said the robotics program is seeking funding from other sources as well and indicated several businesses have made contributions for capital. All the adults volunteer their time for the program. This is only a couple of thousand dollars for the youth program and he noted Council spent $400,000 for wildflowers on the Bemal property at the last meeting. He urged Council to support the Youth Commission and the youth of the community in any way it can. This is a small amount of money compared to other things in the City. Ms. Dennis asked how much of the Legos is donated as compared to things purchased? Mr. Brozosky referred the question to Judy Banks. Ms. Michelotti noted there was no funding from the Pleasanton Unified School District and asked if the District supported the program in any way. Mr. Brozosky said there was no funding from the District and that this was all extra- curricular. It does donate some equipment. Judy Banks, 4975 Middleton Place, founder and parent coordinator of the Vintage Hills Robotics Enrichment Group, said the program was started in the Fall of 2001. She described the goals and activities of the program. Demand for participation has exceeded their ability to meet the needs of the students. They started serving 100 students, that has grown to 250 students and there is still a demand for more participation. They hope to expand this program to reach a broader base. The grant request is for 100% capital expenditures with no funds allocated to volunteers or staff. She referred to the concern about setting a precedent for funding a school related program like this and reviewed the history of grant awards, including grants to the Civics Team three consecutive years, etc. She said their program, although limited in capital expenditures, has been able to provide public exposure and information through expositions at the Alameda County Science Fair and a competition between Vintage Hills Elementary and Pleasanton Middle School. She said a successful robotics program begins long before high school. Ms. Ayala referred to encouraging this program in other schools and asked if she would be willing to do that outreach. Ms. Banks said she was already doing that. They exhibited at the Alameda County Fair and their booth was literally mobbed. They spent a lot of time explaining to people how they got started and how they obtained their equipment. They had donations from NASA-Ames Research Center, the Lego Group, etc. Originally Vintage Hills was selected as a site to encourage girls into the fields of math and science. At that time the school population was 60% girls. Ms. Dennis asked what the $6,100 was intended for. Pleasanton City Council Special Meeting Minutes 8 07/09/02