December 27, 2017
, Auburn Hills, Mich.
–
Ahead of the (Jan. 6) kickoff of the 2018 FIRST Robotics season, the FCA Foundation, the charitable arm of North American automaker FCA US LLC, today awarded grants to 56 FIRST Robotics Competition teams, including the Bionic Bulldogs from Kingman High School in Arizona. The $4,475 grant will help offset the costs i.e. registration fees, parts and materials and team apparel associated with participating in FIRST® POWER UP, this year’s challenge. FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), is an international, K-12 not-for-profit organization founded to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology.
“We are proud to partner with an organization that is committed to inspiring the next generation of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) professionals,” said Phil Jansen, Head of Product Development, FCA – North America. “The experience that students gain through their participation in FIRST programs is invaluable in preparing them for STEM-based careers.”
This year alone, the FCA Foundation has awarded more than $400,000 to student robotics programs, including the 2018 FIRST Championship – Detroit (April 25-28). Additionally, more than 80 FCA US employees will guide FIRST Robotics teams through the competition season as volunteer team mentors and coaches.
FCA US employs 80 people at its Arizona Proving Grounds in Yucca, where the Company conducts extreme-weather testing on its vehicles.
About the FCA Foundation
The FCA Foundation is committed to rebalancing inequalities to promote the full realization of every human being. We seek to support outcomes in our communities that ensure people can enjoy equality and dignity. The FCA Foundation directs its resources toward the following areas of focus:
- Youth Development – helping young people develop the leadership qualities and resiliency necessary to succeed in school, at work, and in life.
- Education – building the skills and competencies that lead to achievement and support educational access and success.
- Military/Veterans – ensuring veterans successfully transition to civilian life and that the needs of military service members and their families are supported.
- Service – leveraging the talents and contributions of all members of the community.