FCA Foundation Energizes Michigan Robotics Teams With More Than $226,000 in Grants

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 7, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

• Grants enable 57 teams, nearly 1,300 middle and high school students, to participate in STEM-building robotics programs
• FIRST in Michigan awarded grant to support First Lego League program

The FCA Foundation, the charitable arm of North American automaker FCA US LLC, today awarded more than $226,000 in grants to 57 Michigan robotics teams and programs. The grants, ranging from $400 to $4,725, will help 1,300 middle and high school students offset the costs, i.e. registration fees, parts and materials and team apparel associated with competing in STEM-building FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) and FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) programs. FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was founded in 1989 by inventor Dean Kamen to inspire young people's interest and participation in science and technology.

"The long-standing commitment and engagement FCA US has with FIRST is embodied by the dedication of our employees who give generously of their time and skills to help mentor students and serve as competition coordinators," said Lesley Slavitt, Head of Civic Engagement, FCA US LLC and CEO of the FCA Foundation. "It is a continuing privilege to ensure their hard work and steadfast contributions support and further positive outcomes for youth in our communities."

FCA US employs more than 35,000 people in the state of Michigan.

Under strict rules, limited resources and an intense six-week time limit, FRC teams (25+ members, grades 9-12) are challenged to raise funds, design a team "brand," hone teamwork skills, build, and program industrial-size robots to play a difficult game against like-minded competitors. Similarly, FTC teams (10+ members, grades 7-12) are challenged to design, build, program, and operate robots to compete in a head-to-head challenge. 

Details of the 2017 FRC season challenge, FIRST^® STEAMWORKS^SM, will be revealed on Saturday, January 7, 2017, 10:30 a.m. EST – the official start of the design and build season. Teams that attend "local" kickoff events will have the opportunity to compare notes, get ideas, make friends, find mentoring teams, learn the game, pick up the Kickoff Kit from the Kit of Parts and get geared up for the exciting competition season. 

Both the FRC and FTC programs will conclude their respective seasons with FIRST Championships in April. 

"The real-world experience that students gain through their participation in FIRST programs is invaluable in preparing students for the future," said Phil Jansen, Head of Product Development, FCA – North America. "We are proud to partner with an organization that taps into such formidable minds and encourages deeper levels of ingenuity." 

The FCA Foundation also awarded First in Michigan, the state's robotics association, a $1,500 grant to support its First Lego League (FLL) program. FLL teams (up to 10 members, grades 4-8) research a real-world problem, such as food safety, recycling, energy, etc., and are challenged to develop a solution using LEGO MINDSTORMS®.

Michigan: FIRST Robotics Competition Teams awarded a $4,725 grant from the FCA Foundation:

* Teams will share a grant.

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.

Note: Applications for funding are accepted by invitation only. 

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SOURCE FCA US LLC