FCA Donates $65,000 To 13 Ontario High Schools To Compete In FIRST Robotics

WINDSOR, Ontario – The FCA Foundation, the charitable arm of North American automaker FCA US LLC, Thursday awarded more than $65,000 in grants to 13 Ontario robotics teams and programs to compete in STEM-building First Robotics Competition 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 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 11,000 people in Ontario.   

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.

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.”

Ontario: FIRST Robotics Competition Teams awarded a $5,000 USD grant from the FCA Foundation.