Rockwell Automation made a $12 million, four-year commitment to For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), a nonprofit charity that designs accessible, innovative programs that motivate young people to pursue education and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math.
Rockwell reports that over the past 10 years, it has provided more than $15 million of broad-based support to address the need to fill science, technology, education and math (STEM) jobs that drive innovation.
“Through our technology and people, we are helping to inspire the next generation of innovators to fill the talent pipeline for our customers and for our company,” says Blake Moret, president and CEO of Rockwell Automation. “Our strategic partnership with FIRST helps us increase our reach and visibility to STEM students around the world.”
Rockwell is also a global sponsor of the FIRST Lego League program and sole sponsor of the FIRST Robotics Competition Rockwell Automation Innovation in Control Award. It is recognized as a FIRST Strategic Partner and is a FIRST Robotics Competition Crown Supplier. According to the company, more than 300 of its employees volunteer for FIRST, and it has donated a number of products for the FIRST programs.
Rockwell Automation, headquartered in Milwaukee, is dedicated to industrial automation and information, as well as enhancing its customers’ productivity.
FIRST, founded by Dean Kamen in 1989, has support from more than 200 Fortune 500 companies. It hosts the FIRST Robotics Competition for students in Grades 9-12; the FIRST Tech Challenge for Grades 7-12; the FIRST Lego League for Grades 4-8; and the FIRST Lego League Jr. for Grades K-4.
