The Chrysler Foundation Awards $133,000 in FIRST Robotics/FIRST Lego League Grants to Advance Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 19, 2012 — (PRNewswire) —

• 22 FIRST Robotics/FIRST Lego League teams from Arizona, Indiana, Michigan and Virginia receive grants of up to $6,625
• The Chrysler Foundation's support of FIRST robotics program and teams tops $1.7 million and spans 16 years
• Announcement reaffirms The Chrysler Foundation's commitment to training the work force of tomorrow

The Chrysler Foundation today announced the recipients of its 2011-2012 FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) and FLL (FIRST Lego League) grants to reaffirm its commitment to advancing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education as a means of training the work force of tomorrow.

In this most recent round of funding, each FIRST team will receive a grant of $6,625; FLL teams will receive grants of $500. In all, The Chrysler Foundation will award $133,000 in grants to 22 teams spanning Arizona, Indiana, Michigan and Virginia. The funds will be used to offset costs associated with items such as registration fees, parts and materials and team apparel. The Chrysler Foundation will award additional funding to teams that qualify for and attend the FIRST Robotics Competition Championship or FIRST Lego League World Festival. 

"The Chrysler Foundation and Chrysler Group are proud to play a role in encouraging students to explore the worlds of science, technology, engineering and mathematics," said Jody Trapasso, President - The Chrysler Foundation. A supporter of FIRST since its earliest years, The Chrysler Foundation has provided more than $1.7 million in support of the FIRST robotics program and teams during the past 16 years. 

Beyond funding, employees within Chrysler Group's Product Development organization have played an integral part in the success of the FIRST program – volunteering their time and talents to mentor students and serve as competition coordinators. Working side-by-side with adult mentors, students learn basic physics, electrical and mechanical engineering and machining skills.

"As an automotive company with a strong heritage of designing, building and delivering innovative, high-quality, segment-defining vehicles, we hope to provide a spark of inspiration to the next generation," said Mark Chernoby, Head of Vehicle Engineering and Vice President - Executive Coordinator, Chrysler Group LLC. "Bright and talented engineers are vital to our industry's future and the FIRST program is an ideal platform for developing a student's interest and skills in science and engineering."

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