Download Print FCA Foundation Energizes Ontario Robotics Teams With $65,000 USD in Grants Grants enable 13 Ontario teams to participate in engaging Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)-building robotics programs January 12, 2017 , Windsor, Ontario - The FCA Foundation, the charitable arm of North American automaker FCA US LLC, today awarded more than $65,000 USD in grants to 13 Ontario robotics teams and programs. The grants, $5,000 USD per team, will help students from the 13 high schools offset the costs, such as registration fees, parts and materials and team apparel associated with competing in STEM-building FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) 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. Details of the 2017 FRC season challenge, FIRST® STEAMWORKSSM, will be revealed on Saturday, January 7, 2017, 10:30 a.m. EST – the official start of the design and build season. Teams that attend "local" kickoff events will have the opportunity to compare notes, get ideas, make friends, find mentoring teams, learn the game, pick up the Kickoff Kit from the Kit of Parts and get geared up for the exciting competition season. 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. School(s) Team No. Team Name Maranatha Christian Academy 4595 Infinity Robotics Tecumseh Vista Academy 4936 Viral Vortex Holy Names High School 4940 Knight Vision Robotics Cardinal Carter 4932 Cougar Robotics Kingsville District High School 773 CavalGears Sandwich Secondary School 772 Sabre Bytes Robotics Ecole secondaire de Lamothe-Cadillac 4938 Faucons Vincent Massey Secondary School 4903 Massey Robotics Belle River High School 4920 Automatons St. Anne’s Catholic High School 4688 Saints Bot Robotics L'Essor 6331 SaBOTage Louise Arbor Secondary School 5519 Lass Robotics Villanova 5885 Wired Cats About the FCA Foundation The FCA Foundation is committed to rebalancing inequalities to promote the full realization of every human being. We seek to support outcomes in our communities that ensure people can enjoy equality and dignity. The FCA Foundation directs its resources toward the following areas of focus: Youth Development – helping young people develop the leadership qualities and resiliency necessary to succeed in school, at work, and in life. Education – building the skills and competencies that lead to achievement and support educational access and success. Military/Veterans – ensuring veterans successfully transition to civilian life and that the needs of military service members and their families are supported. Service – leveraging the talents and contributions of all members of the community. Note: Applications for funding are accepted by invitation only. FCA Canada Founded as the Chrysler Corporation in 1925, FCA Canada Inc. is based in Windsor, Ontario, and celebrates its 97th anniversary in 2022. FCA Canada is a wholly owned subsidiary of FCA, a North American automaker based in Auburn Hills, Michigan and member of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (FCA) family of companies. FCA Canada has approximately 440 dealers that sell Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram, FIAT and Alfa Romeo products, as well as SRT performance products. The company also distributes Mopar and Alfa Romeo parts and accessories. In addition to its assembly facilities, which produce the Chrysler Pacifica, Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, Chrysler Voyager and Chrysler Grand Caravan (Windsor) and Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger (Brampton), FCA Canada operates an aluminum casting plant in Etobicoke, a research and development centre in Windsor, and has sales offices and parts distribution centers throughout the country.