The Motorola Foundation announced the recipients of its Innovation Generation Grants, a $3.5 mln initiative to inspire young people to embrace science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
The 2007 Innovation Generation Grants support 106 breakthrough programs that use innovative approaches to develop interest in technology-related fields while strengthening leadership and problem-solving skills. The grants target programs that encourage girls and ethnic groups currently underrepresented in technology fields. Of the recipient programs 41% serve African American students; 19 % reach Hispanic youth and 31% specifically target girls.
“Motorola wants to show the next generation of inventors that science is fun, challenging and possible,” said Eileen Sweeney, director of the Motorola Foundation.
“Through the Innovation Generation Grants, organizations across the country are helping students develop a passion for science and math by making the connection between the cool technology they enjoy every day and the educational foundation they will need for greater success in the classroom and beyond.”
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs requiring science, engineering or technical training will increase 24% between 2004 and 2014 to 6.3 mln, making critical thinkers and practical problem solvers fluent in today’s technology even more crucial.
The programs supported by the Innovation Generation Grants range from after-school and summer science enrichment programs to activities that promote innovative technology use and teacher-training initiatives, including Global Kids Inc. in New York, Half Moon Bay High School in California, The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in New York, The Marine Science Institute in Redwood City, Calif., The National Society of Black Engineers in Alexandria, Va., and Working In The Schools’ (WITS) new Chicago workplace mentoring program.
“With our Innovation Generation Grant, we are involving girls at an early age in hands-on design and engineering experiences,” said Kathy Cloninger, CEO for Girl Scouts of the
“Thanks to Motorola, we can challenge traditional perceptions of girls’ abilities and close the well-documented gender gap — so they can continue to strengthen their role as members of the STEM workforce.”
Beyond funding, Motorola is linking recipients of the Innovation Generation Grants with each other through a new company-hosted portal site that helps expand and enhance the global network of advocates for innovation in science, technology, engineering and math education.
Since 2000, Motorola Foundation has contributed more than $35 mln in grants to a variety of programs that expand student access to science and technology fields.
