Will Assist In The Development Of Targeted Mentorships For K-12 Students

FIRST (for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), an international K-12 not-for-profit organization founded by inventor Dean Kamen, has received a $1.5 million grant awarded from Boeing to support young innovators through FIRST programming. The company’s investment will assist in the development of targeted mentorship programs that increase STEM diversity, proficiency and interest among K-12 students – specifically among underserved and geographically diverse populations.

“Whether they’re solving technical challenges in the classroom or putting their skills to work at a FIRST competition, it’s remarkable what these young minds are capable of creating,” said Dennis Muilenburg, Boeing chairman, president and CEO. “Boeing is committed to supporting STEM programs like FIRST through employee volunteerism and charitable grants. By exposing students to STEM subjects and experiences and teaching them how to apply what they’ve learned in real and relevant ways, we hope to inspire future generations of dreamers and doers.”

The 2018 grant supports FIRST programs, which inspire innovation and leadership through engaging, hands-on robotics challenges developed to ignite curiosity and passion and develop valuable science, engineering, technology, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in students in grade K-12.

Boeing, a FIRST Strategic Partner, has supported the organization since 2001. Boeing is sponsoring more than 550 FIRST teams around the U.S. this year. Over the years, the company has provided employee volunteers to mentor teams and donated money, scholarships, and other resources to help FIRST grow. Boeing has also been a longtime sponsor of FIRST Championship and a recent sponsor of the FIRST STEM Equity Community Innovation Grants. Muilenburg is a member of the FIRST Board of Directors.

“This generous grant from Boeing is helping us move closer to our goal of reaching all kids with equitable access to opportunity, mentorship, and engagement to build a foundation for a bright future,” said Donald E. Bossi, president of FIRST. “We’re incredibly grateful for Boeing’s ongoing commitment to FIRST, especially through Dennis’s valuable expertise on our board and the powerful mentorships so many of his employees provide FIRST participants.”

(Source: FIRST news release)

FMI: www.firstinspires.org, www.boeing.com